Two independent east London cinemas have received thousands of pounds to help them survive the coronavirus pandemic.
More than £16 million from the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund was split between 202 independent cinemas last year, with another £14 million to be allocated this year.
Cinemas could apply for a safety grant to allow them to pay for measures to protect staff and audiences and a business sustainability grant to keep them afloat in the long term.
In east London, grants were awarded to Empire Cinema in High Street, Walthamstow, and Premiere Cinema in the Mercury Shopping Centre in Romford.
Empire Cinema received £7,863 to improve its health and safety, while Premiere Cinema received £10,000 towards health and safety and £210,255 to protect it financially.
Responding to the news on December 21, Romford MP Andrew Rosindell welcomed the funding, adding he has “deep concern” for how businesses will cope with lockdown.
He said: “I know how many of my constituents enjoy visiting Premiere Cinemas in Romford, particularly at Christmas time when a trip to the cinema is a tradition for so many.”
A spokesperson from the Empire Cinema in Walthamstow said they were “very grateful” to have received funding for safety measures and PPE, allowing them to reopen briefly over summer.
They added: “We look forward to welcoming customers again when the Government allows and it is viable to do so.”
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