DESPITE optimism for the recovery of the arts in Conwy, the future is uncertain for this year’s panto and jobs at Venue Cymru.

Sarah Ecob, head of service for theatres and conference centres, has welcomed the the £1.75 billion support package pledged by Chancellor Rishi Sunak.

Ms Ecob said: “We welcome the £1.75b support package, which will help to protect theatres, galleries, museums and heritage sites.

“We are particularly pleased to hear that £59m of this funding has been allocated to Wales and we are keen to hear how the Welsh Government will distribute these funds.

“In Conwy, culture will be at the heart of our economic recovery. We need to be able to open our theatres, launch our outside concerts and festivals and plan for our creative future in order to attract visitors and to support our tourism, retail and leisure industries.”

While Venue Cymru alone is estimated to generate £33.5m for the local economy - and has been instrumental during the pandemic as a Covid-19 ‘Rainbow’ hospital site -the global recovery recovery for live entertainment and the arts is expected to be among the slowest, according to national media.

Venue Cymru has also had to put 100 members of staff of furlough. A spokesperson unable to say whether there would be redundancies, but did say that Venue Cymru is monitoring changes from the UK and Welsh Governments before it sets out plans.

They also have to wait until Monday, August 3, to find discover Qdos Pantomimes’ boss Oliver Dowden’s decision on whether to cancel 34 productions across the UK, including Llandudno.

Yet there is hope on the horizon. Management is currently finalising plans to reopen Theatr Colwyn for film screenings with reduced capacity, and more than 90 percent of shows at both venues impacted by lockdown have been been re-scheduled to 2021 and 2022.

Both venues have also recently participated in a nationwide scheme to illuminate the buildings in red to show solidarity with the entertainment industry.

North Wales Pioneer:

Theatre Colwyn was also illuminated. Picture: Paul Sampson

Ms Escob added: "The creative industries are an intricate jigsaw of venues, creative practitioners, technical and support staff, suppliers and participants.

"Staff across the council are looking forward to resuming creative projects that support and nurture our young people, encourage participation in civic life, reduce impact on health services, provide learning opportunities and, above all, make life enjoyable.

"We look forward to working with the Welsh Government to ensure that the funding allocated to Wales is used in the best way possible to support theatres, museums, heritage, galleries and the creative arts across our nation."

Visit venuecymru.co.uk or call the box office on 01492 872000.