Military Wives sing praises for lifeline

DOZENS of Military Wives Choirs across the UK have been “thrilled” to learn they will receive a share of £ 76million in emergency funding for the arts.

They are among 588 smaller organisations that will benefit from the cash pumped into the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund which stands at £ 1.57 billion.

Melanie Nightingale, director of the 73 choirs involving more than 2,000 women, said they were all “incredibly grateful” for the money.

She added: “We are thrilled that this funding enables our choirs to sing, share and support one another and feel stronger together through music.”

Comedy clubs, festivals, regional theatres and small community museums are also among the groups which will receive a slice of the latest cash as they struggle to stay afloat amid the pandemic.

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: “This is more vital funding to protect cultural gems across the country, save jobs and prepare the arts to bounce back.” The West End’s longest running play, The Mousetrap, will also receive a grant of £ 228,973 to help restart socially distanced shows. Zippos Circus, one of the oldest in the UK, will receive £ 628,986 to continue with Covid- secure performances.

And a grant of £ 61,059 is going to Shangri- La Glastonbury, the producers behind the iconic festival. It will be used to develop a digital art and music event platform and support emerging artists.