MORE than £600,000 is being pumped into cultural and heritage organisations and independent cinemas in Brecon and Radnorshire as they prepare to open.

A total of £400m in grants and loans is being awarded to organisations across the UK by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport to help them thrive in better times ahead.

The world-famous Hay Festival, which has attracted thousands of visitors to Hay for 34 years, is set to receive £596,000.

And Meadow Arts, also based in Hay on Wye, will also receive a financial package.

Meadow Arts aim to bring contemporary art to new audiences. From rural venues to historic houses, Meadow Arts work outside conventional galleries by working in unusual places to embed contemporary arts in local communities, often where arts provision is low.

The money is coming from the Conservative government’s Culture Recovery Fund with the total amount of money handed out to more than 5,000 organisations standing at £1.2billion.

Nearly all of the original £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund has now been allocated, and the Chancellor announced a further £300 million boost for the Fund at last month’s Budget, taking direct government investment in the sector since the start of the pandemic to almost £2 billion.

The Welsh Government has also received £59 million to distribute to projects in Wales.

Fay Jones, Brecon and Radnorshire’s MP said: “The past year has had a devastating impact on cultural and heritage organisations, so it is fantastic news that £628,000 is being provided to support two of these most valued organisations in Brecon and Radnorshire.

“I am extremely proud that this funding is being made available by the UK Government.

“It demonstrates the UK Government’s commitment to Mid Wales and to the importance of cultural events in our part of the world.

“With money still left to be spent by the Welsh Government, there are other significant cultural events which desperately need support – such as the Royal Welsh Show.

“With agriculture devolved to Cardiff Bay, it is high time that the Welsh Government recognised the value of the farming sector and supported Europe’s largest agricultural event.”

Government Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: “Our record breaking Culture Recovery Fund has already helped thousands of culture and heritage organisations across the country survive the biggest crisis they’ve ever faced.

“Now we’re staying by their side as they prepare to welcome the public back through their doors - helping our cultural gems plan for reopening and thrive in the better times ahead.”

Tania Hudson, Interim Chief Executive of the Hay Festival added: “We are incredibly grateful for this vote of confidence in our efforts to sustain our community of writers, partners and festival goers who make Hay what it is: a space to inspire, examine and entertain people of all ages.

“Whilst there is more work to do as we fundraise in an uncertain climate, this Cultural Recovery Fund support from Arts Council England allows us to look forward to Hay Festival Wales online this spring with confidence and continue to develop our vision for innovative hybrid festivals and projects of the future.”