Hastings and Rye independent cinemas get financial boost

The money is part of a £1.57bn Culture Recovery Fund set up by the Government in response to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

It said more than 200 independent cinemas across England are being supported by the fund.

The Kino in Rye has received a total of £108,902, Kino-Teatr in St Leonards, £36,973 and the Electric Palace in Hastings Old Town, £34,004.

Hastings and Rye MP, Sally-Ann Hart, has welcomed the news.

She said: “I know how much people enjoy visiting their local cinemas and how important they are to our communities.

“I am delighted that independent cinemas across the country, including the Kino at Rye and the Electric Palace Cinema in Hastings, have received support from the Government.

“This will be vital for these venues through Christmas and beyond. The Restart Scheme has already helped to get 100 productions up and running and, by extending it to the over 70s, this means we can support even more jobs as our country recovers from coronavirus.”

Independent cinemas will be able to apply for another £14m in grants in the New Year as part of the second round of the Culture Recovery Fund.

The Government said the Culture Recovery Fund was set up to protect Britain’s cultural, arts and heritage institutions through the coronavirus pandemic.

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