Here For Culture

The British Country Music Festival is pleased to announce that the company who created the event Fit The Bill Limited, has been awarded Culture Recovery Funding from Arts Council England under a project they have labelled ‘Here For Culture”.

The success of the application endorses our expertise, relevance and unique offer. We were one of 236 organisations in NorthWest England that were successful with their bids, bringing £53.8m into the region.

Martin Blore, co-director of the company said: “We are extremely grateful for the support we have had from DCMS and Arts Council England throughout the pandemic. It has been invaluable to ensure that the work we do can continue. It is not just the benefit to artists and the cultural offering delivered to communities, but also our continued support of the many freelancers and production companies that we use for each event and festival.”

Arts Council England and HM Government stated:

“Here for Culture is a movement that unites the public, government and cultural organisations in support of our fantastic cinemas, theatres, music venues, museums, galleries and heritage.”

Our venue partner Winter Gardens Blackpool, is one of 445 heritage organisations across the country to receive a lifesaving financial boost from the government thanks to the £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund to help them through the coronavirus pandemic.

445 organisations will share £103 million, to help restart vital reconstruction work and maintenance on cherished heritage sites, keeping venues open and supporting those working in the sector.

As part of that funding package, the Winter Gardens Blackpool will receive up to £846k which will be used to protect and preserve the venue during these challenging times and to contribute towards the essential running costs whilst restrictions on mass gatherings remain in place.

Culture creates jobs, supports livelihoods, and brings joy to everyone. The UK leads the world in the creative industries and we can all feel pride in that.

This funding allows Fit The Bill and The Winter Gardens to continue the work that the The British Country Music Festival does to introduce, promote and share the work of the UK’s grass roots singer-songwriters. New contemporary country, Americana and roots music bring us closer together as a music loving community. To see, hear and experience shining examples of this work, we highly recommend you join us for our festival, which takes place from 3-5th September, Blackpool.  We look forward to meeting you in the magnificent Empress Ballroom.