Northern Light Cinema in Wirksworth has been awarded a further £19,699 in business sustainability support from the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund. This funding follows a £8,050 grant from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) as part of the Government’s £30,000,000 relief package for independent cinemas earlier this year.
Sarah Dines MP said, ‘This funding will help the cinema survive the winter in these uncertain times. Northern Light cinema is a single screen venue that is an example of good practice in rural cinema provision and rooted in community values. The nearest arts or cinema provision is 8 miles away which, for many of the town’s older population, is too far to travel for a cinema experience. The Northern Light is committed to diverse film programming to serve local interests, including French/German language films, LGBTQ content, UK independent films and world cinema. It also screens films made by local filmmakers. Prior to the pandemic the cinema used to hold a number of educational and special screenings so I am particularly pleased that they are being supported with this additional funding to enable them to restart this important work for the community. I sincerely hope that with this funding alongside the grant they received earlier in the year, Northern Light Cinema will not only survive this difficult time, but thrive when they can reopen.
Many constituents have contacted me in recent months regarding the importance of our arts and culture sectors and I am so pleased that the Government has taken direct steps to aid this recovery here in Derbyshire Dales.’’
