Colne Muni Theatre to open at Christmas after lifeline grant

As part of this support, it means The Muni Theatre in Colne will reopen at Christmas with an alternative festive panto for all the family.

The largest provider of arts and culture in the borough has been awarded just over £185,000 as part of the £1.57 billion fund issued to help with the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic and to ensure the theatre has a sustainable future.

The Trust is one of 1,385 cultural and creative organisations across the country to receive this much-needed investment being administered by Arts Council England.

The Muni will reopen on December 26th with an alternative to the annual pantomime, plus a reconfigured programme for spring, including rescheduled events from this year and including any Government restrictions that still remain.

Alison Goode, chief executive of Pendle Leisure Trust, said: “This is fantastic news! We are absolutely delighted to have secured this funding which will help us to reopen this much-loved venue that provides year-round entertainment for the people of Pendle and beyond.

“Since closing the theatre at the end of March, we have been busy rescheduling all the shows planned for this year. Luckily, we have not had to cancel any – but we do now have a jam-packed programme for next year.

“This will start on Boxing Day with 'A Christmas Cracker' – an alternative to our usual pantomime, but still packed with music, laughter, magic and popular panto routines, which I’m sure all the family will enjoy.”

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: “This funding is a vital boost for the theatres, music venues, museums and cultural organisations that form the soul of our nation. It will protect these special places, save jobs and help the culture sector’s recovery.

“These places and projects are cultural beacons the length and breadth of the country. This unprecedented investment in the arts is proof this Government is here for culture so that the culture sector can bounce back strongly.”

The chairman of Arts Council England, Sir Nicholas Serota, added: “Theatres, museums, galleries, dance companies and music venues bring joy to people and life to our cities, towns and villages. This life-changing funding will save thousands of cultural spaces loved by local communities and international audiences.”