LIVE entertainment at theatres and music venues in Worcester has been thrown a lifeline thanks to a multi-million pound cash boost.

Worcester Live, which runs Huntingdon Hall and the Swan Theatre, and Paradiddles music bar were among those to hear they will receive money through the arts council as part of the government's culture recovery fund.

Worcester Live has been allocated £122,000 while the Paradiddles music bar in Worcester has also received £25,000, which will enable the business to re-start live performances at the earliest opportunity.

M and H Media Ltd, has been given £143,947 for the Museums and Heritage Show which attracts more than 2,500 heritage professionals each year.

Overall, £2,858,939 has been given out to 29 organisations in Worcestershire - in a bid to help theatres, galleries, museums, performance groups, arts organisations and local venues face challenges of enforced closure due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Regal Cinema in Evesham has also received £197, 917 from the fund, with Malvern Theatres allocated £328,120 to enable the theatre to reopen with live performances, a classical music concert and an in-house drama production.

The Mono Box, based in Droitwich, offers people employed in the creative industries affordable writing and performing opportunities, training, and a free theatre tickets scheme, and has received £22,318 to allow the organisation to partially reopen the studio workshops and deliver more digital activities.

Peter Knott, area director of Arts Council England said: “We’re delighted the Culture Recovery Fund has been able to offer support to a wide range of arts and cultural sector organisations across Worcestershire.”

West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin, said:“We’re all looking forward to getting back to doing the things we love and this Culture Recovery Fund is playing a crucial role helping businesses stay afloat.”