The government has announced a £3.36 million fund to save grassroots music venues across the country which are at immediate risk of closure, including one in Bath.
The fund is providing vital support to 135 venues, which otherwise could face collapse due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The list includes 10 venues in the South West, which will share a total of £226,789.
Komedia Bath on Westgate Street is set to receive £20,000 from the fund.
Three venues in Bristol have been awarded money, including Motion Events Ltd in Pennywell Road (£79,906), The Old Bookshop in Bedminster (£46,101) and The Louisiana in Wapping Road (£5,500).
Also receiving funding is 23 Bath St in Frome, which will receive £11,000.
Accelerated funding is being provided to cover running costs incurred during their ongoing closure, including rent and utilities, so that some of the country’s most treasured venues can survive.
The support is on top of the £500 million in grants being delivered to cultural organisations by Arts Council England, which is still accepting applications until 4th September.
All this funding forms part of a £1.57billion rescue package for culture and heritage from the government to see these sectors through the coronavirus pandemic.
Indoor performances can now restart with socially-distanced audiences, so some music venues are now able to reopen safely, alongside other culture venues and heritage sites.
Ministers and MPs across the South West are encouraging everyone to visit reopened venues and support cultural organisations starting to put performances back on.
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said: “This government is here for culture and these grants show we are determined to help our exceptional music industry weather the Covid storm and come back stronger.
“Grassroots music venues are where the magic starts and these emergency grants from our £1.57billion fund will ensure these music venues survive to create the Adeles and Ed Sheerans of the future.
“I encourage music fans to help too by supporting music and cultural events as they start to get going again.
“We need a collective effort to help the things we love through Covid.”