Keswick’s cinema has been given a cash boost by the town’s mayor – with nine more local beneficiaries set to receive a hand-out in the next few weeks.
The Alhambra will receive £214 from a £2,000 annual mayoral allowance which can be distributed as the incumbent sees fit.
Alan Dunn, elected earlier this year, has chosen the cinema to be the first of 10 recipients from the fund after being impressed with major refurbishments carried out at the venue during lockdown.
Owners Carol Rennie and Jonathan Moore, who have also created a second screen at the iconic, 100-year-old cinema on St John’s Street, aim to reopen on September 30 in time for the new James Bond film No Time to Die.
Carol said: “We’re delighted to be recipients of this mayoral award. It tops off the amazingly generous support we’ve received from over 70 supporters who have contributed to the cost of repairing and renovating our beautiful façade.
“Almost half of the cost has been funded by donors. Contributions will be acknowledged with an inscription inside the newly revamped foyer later this year, joining the list of names of those who supported our 2019 renovation of the auditorium.”
Cllr Dunn has decided to divide his annual allowance into 10 awards to mark the 214 Wainwrights he aims to complete over the coming months.
He currently has only 12 to go. “I can’t think of better recipients of my first award than these two” he said.
“In a time of disruption for local businesses they have not given up, but instead used the opportunity of enforced closure to invest in and future-proof this tremendous asset of the town.
“The lady mayoress Heather and I can’t wait to attend the opening screening when the cinema reopens.”
