A STROUD based circus has received a lifeline grant from the Government’s culture recovery fund.

Giffords Circus, which is located in Lypiatt, has been awarded the grant to help it face the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic and to ensure they have a sustainable future, the culture secretary has announced today.

Giffords Circus is one of 1,385 cultural and creative organisations across the country receiving urgently needed support.

£257 million of investment has been announced today as part of the very first round of the culture recovery fund grants programme being administered by Arts Council England.

The funding awarded will help enable Giffords Circus produce its 2021 show The Hooley, the show that was due to tour England during 2020, but was put on hold when lockdown was introduced.

Rescheduled to open on 1st April 2021, the circus will now start producing the show, plan the tour and put The Hooley tickets on sale.

Lil Rice, producer of Giffords Circus said: “We would like to thank the Government’s culture recovery fund and Arts Council England for recognising Giffords Circus and circus as an art form and awarding us this grant.

"2020 has been the most challenging year for Giffords Circus and this award gives us the ability to plan for our 2021 show The Hooley with greater financial security.”

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.”

Chair, Arts Council England, Sir Nicholas Serota, said: “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. Further funding is still to be announced and we are working hard to support our sector during these challenging times.”

Tickets for Giffords Circus 2021 tour The Hooley are now on sale, for more information visit www.giffordscircus.com