A Cockermouth arts venue says it fears for its survival unless the Government provides more support.
It costs £12,000 a year just to open the doors of the town’s Kirkgate Centre and the charity said it income continued to fall due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Kirkgate Arts and Heritage said despite Prime Minister Boris Johnson determination not to put England into another lockdown, venues were feeling the pinch.
Marion Bowman, chairman, said: “Small venues such as the Kirkgate Centre, which are so important to small towns like Cockermouth, have had nearly two years of struggling to survive.
“Our earned income disappeared overnight at the start of the pandemic when we had to close, but in the past waves of coronavirus we were helped by the financial support that came in the lockdowns through policies such as the furlough scheme.
“Now that the Government is determined not to lock down despite the huge spread of Omicron, businesses hit by high levels of staff absences or many customers not coming out are really feeling the pinch.
“The Government is making small grants available to entertainment venues but the loss of income we’re facing is significant and there’s no insurance cover available now.
“We still have all our fixed costs to meet and they’re going up – we pay £12,000 a year just to open the door, on insurance and utilities. We need more support.”
Despite an offering of films and music throughout January and February, including a new series of jazz evenings with professional musicians starting with the Jeremy Sassoon Quartet on Sunday, January 23, ticket sales for future events are well down on expected figures.
Emma Heys, the Kirkgate’s general manager, said: “Ironically, we have one sold out gig on Saturday, January 15 with Red Rum Club.
“It’s part of the nationwide Revive Live tour launched last year by the Music Venue Trust charity.
“It’s a major campaign supported financially by the National Lottery to help both musicians and, especially, small grassroots venues such as Kirkgate.
“It would be ironic if, after that, customers keep away, as ticket sales for other shows seem to be indicating, and our survival is put at risk again.
“We know that some local businesses have decided to close temporarily. But we’ve decided to try to ride the wave and stay open.
“We’re doing everything we can to keep customers safe, so we urge people wanting an enjoyable night out to check what’s on and come and have some fun and entertainment with us,” said Emma.
Kirkgate’s infection controls include hand sanitising on arrival, regular cleaning and ventilation of the premises, a one-way system, and the legal requirement of mask wearing unless eating or drinking. Socially distanced seating is often available.
