Council awards £1.8m to Islington pubs and music, comedy, theatre and dance venues

The borough’s independent pubs and live venues are famous across London and beyond, and play a vital role in supporting many jobs and local businesses. While many businesses are reopening, Covid-19 restrictions continue to have a major impact.

The council has now agreed £1.8 million through its Cultural and Evening Economy Support Fund to 95 evening economy and cultural venues, including much-loved pubs, small gig venues and theatre spaces. 

Islington launched the fund in May to bring extra support to cultural venues and independent pubs in recognition of the key role they play locally, and offered one-off grants of £15,000 or £30,000.

Islington’s grant awards come as the Government announced some Covid restrictions will stay in place until 19 July, to help stop spread of Covid-19, which has impacted small pubs and venues.

Caroline Wilson, Islington Council’s Director of Inclusive Economy and Jobs, said: “I’m very pleased Islington Council has been able to direct £1.8 million in extra funding to 95 evening economy and cultural venues through our Cultural and Evening Economy Support Fund.

“We know how vital grant support is to Islington’s unique evening economy and cultural venues, who have been extremely hard hit by the restrictions on social distancing during this difficult time. 

“The venues include theatres, grassroots live music spots, comedy venues and independent pubs – all essential to creating and sustaining our vibrant evening economy in Islington. We continue to lobby government to ask for more financial support for this sector and our hospitality sector.

 “We want local people to enjoy these places safely.  We know the delay in the full lifting of lockdown will have been a disappointment to many business owners, and hope that these emergency funds will help sustain some of our best cultural and community treasures, and many local jobs, in our borough. 

The Cultural and Evening Economy Support Fund is being delivered by Islington Council, using funding from Government. 

The council is also in the process of agreeing grants for the council’s targeted support schemes for affordable workspace operators, childcare providers and market traders.

Islington Council has been administering Additional Restrictions Grant as direct grant aid to businesses since December 2020.  So far the council has supported nearly 1000 businesses to access over 1,400 grants totalling over £7 million.