A top mid Wales’ top arts venue that has been hit by the coronavirus lockdown has described a grant boost as a “lifeline”.

Hafren Theatre is to receive £178,893 from Arts Council Wales to help with the extra costs incurred from the effects of Covid-19.

Sara Clutton, theatre manager, said: “This is great news. It secures jobs and Hafren remains financially viable until Spring 2021.

“We will be looking to offer work to be undertaken in the theatre to local contractors, bringing much needed work to mid Wales.”

The theatre has been closed to live indoor performances since lockdown restrictions were enforced in March. 

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More than 80 per cent of the theatre’s income comes from ticket sales, refreshments and renting out for conferences. It fears that without live shows from at least April 2021, the theatre will receive no income for more than a year.

The theatre said the pandemic had left them “most vulnerable” with bills to be paid, maintenance work to be undertaken and compliance procedures to be carried out. 

It has also offered the site to Powys Teaching Health Board at no charge as the town’s base for coronavirus testing unit, adding that they do not look for financial gain from the “catastrophic situation”.

The amount of £178,893 has been granted to help with the employer contribution into the Furlough Scheme made by the NPTC Group, which adjoins the theatre, during the lockdown.

The money has helped buy new equipment for extra cleaning and for premises and maintenance costs.