Windsor's threatened Old Court Arts Centre has received an £83,000 Government grant to help it surviving the crippling financial effects of pandemic restrictions.

It comes from the £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund.

Lockdown and subsequent restrictions have put the Old Court in financial peril although its bar has opened again along with the cinema. Classes and a handful of live performances have also taken place - but social distancing has inevitably reduced ticket sales and profits.

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Director Martin Denny said: "It is an immense relief to receive this crucial grant. It means we can be here for all of Windsor’s community, creatively bringing people together, ensuring the future sustainability and viability of our wonderful community art space for everyone.

"This lifeline grant will enable us to partially reopen, embracing digital innovations, getting freelance performers back into the venue and enabling creative opportunity for everyone.

"Thank you to everyone who has supported us at this time and watch this space."

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Chairman of Arts Council England Sir Nicholas Serota, said: “This latest set of awards from the Culture Recovery Fund builds on those announced recently and will help hundreds of organisations to survive the next few months, ensuring that the cultural sector can bounce back after the crisis. We will continue doing everything we can to support artists and cultural and creative organisations, with further funding to be announced in the coming weeks.”