Nene Valley Railway receives grant of over £479,000 as part of government’s Culture Recovery Fund

The £479,765 grant will enable the railway to replenish its reserves and sustain its operations from now until June.

Nene Valley Railway is one of the more than 2700 recipients to benefit from the latest rounds of funds to be released from the government’s £1.57 billion fund to help organisations recover and reopen.

The funding awarded today (April 2) is from a £400 million pot which was held back last year to

ensure the Culture Recovery Fund could continue to help organisations in need as the

public health picture changed. The funding has been awarded by Arts Council England as

well as Historic England and National Lottery Heritage Fund and the British Film Institute.

After months of closures and cancellations to contain the virus and save lives, it is hoped that this funding will be a much-needed helping hand for organisations transitioning back to normal in the months ahead.

Over £800 million in grants and loans has already been awarded to support almost 3,800 cinemas, performance venues, museums, heritage sites and other cultural organisations dealing with the immediate challenges of the coronavirus pandemic.

Nene Valley Railway, which benefited from emergency National Lottery funding in July, is both a living heritage railway, which is tended to by its loyal band of volunteers and a thriving attraction for the public to enjoy all year round.

It offers the chance to experience the thrill of riding a steam engine; learn about the railway’s history; and explore the picturesque surroundings of the Nene Valley area.

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.