CULTURAL institutions up and down Cumbria have been awarded almost £2 million in the latest round of funding from the Government.

The Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport announced on April 2 that more than 2,700 cultural and creative organisations would receive a share of £400 million, with £1.9 million going to Cumbria.

Among the beneficiaries was the Ullswater Steamers, which will receive £425,000 in the second round of funding.

The iconic attraction has been handed a lifeline by the funding, which will allow it to look ahead to spring and summer with plans to reopen and recover.

Mark Horton, Ullswater ‘Steamers’ General Manager, says: “I am delighted that Ullswater ‘Steamers’ have been recognised as being such a significant part of our regional and national culture and heritage.

"This funding will enable us to maintain the high standards of maintenance and presentation that we are well known for, and to bounce back far more quickly from the devastating effects of this awful pandemic.”

Also benefitting was one of Cumbria's newer culturual attractions - Wordsworth Grasmere is set to receive £121,138 to help financially sustain the Wordsworth Trust as it prepares to open the transformed visitor attraction at Dove Cottage in the Lake District.

Director, the Wordsworth Trust, Michael McGregor, said: “We are hugely grateful to the Government and to Arts Council England for this funding. Having been closed for so long, the grant will provide essential support to the Wordsworth Trust while it prepares to launch Wordsworth Grasmere this spring.

"We can now plan with confidence as we look forward to welcoming visitors again as soon as it is safe to do so.”

Elsewhere, Highlights Rural Touring will receive £28,733 while the Carnegie Theatre and Arts Centre has been awarded £25,984.

Other Cumbrian organisations who have benefitted include the Sands Centre in Carlisle, RJ Towers and Partners - owners of the Alhambra Cinema in Penrith, Annie Mawson's sunbeams music trust, Eden Arts, Highlights Productions, the Solway Aviation Society, the South Tynedale Railway, Lowther Castle and Stainmore Railway Company Ltd.

A total of £750,000 was handed out to organisations in Penrith and the Border alone, much to the delight of MP Neil Hudson.

Dr Hudson said: "“I am delighted that several organisations across Penrith and The Border will receive a very timely financial boost from the Culture Recovery Fund. It is vital that we protect these cultural organisations as they are the beating heart of our communities."