Millions for the south's arts, culture and heritage organisations

Arts, culture and heritage organisations across the south are to benefit from £400 million in new government funding.

More than 2,700 organisations are being offered grants and loans in the latest announcement from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.

Chichester Festival Theatre is being given just under a million pounds, Poole's Lighthouse just under half a million and Portsmouth's Mary Rose Museum has received just under £378,000.

Other organisations to benefit include Independent charity cinema 'Chichester Cinema at New Park' which has received £84,000.

Great Dorset Steam Fair is to receive £136,000, and Swanage Railway £189,200. Jack Up The Summer festival on the Isle of Wight has also been awarded funding.

Gosport MP and Minister of State for Digital and Culture at DCMS, Caroline Dinenage said: "Having spoken to venues and institutions across the country, I know what a lifeline this investment from the Cultural Recovery Fund is.

"I am thrilled that so many of our local organisations have benefitted from the Cultural Recovery Fund, with the second round of funding investing over £400m across England and £1.4M in our area, to ensure that these attractions can reopen safely when restrictions allow."

A full list of the organsations to benefit can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/400-million-to-help-more-than-2700-arts-culture-heritage-organisations-and-independent-cinemas-survive-and-thrive