A HEREFORD bar says it will be able to keep its staff after being granted government funding to pull them through the aftereffects of the pandemic.

The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport announced today (November 19, 2021) that £142,000 in continuity support grants from the governments unprecedented culture recovery fund has been awarded to three organisations in Herefordshire.

It looks to help those facing imminent risks and open to those who have not received funding in previous rounds.

Live music venue Babar Café, in Union Street, hosts a wide range of musical acts including acapella sea shanties, intimate folk gigs and reggae bands.

They also host other cultural shows such as puppet theatre, spoken word events, and art installations.

The £25,000 grant will allow them to deliver a programme of events and explore new income streams.

"It has been incredibly hard," said co-owner Ally Hardy.

"It hasn't been the same as pre-covid and the culture recovery fund is going exactly what it is meant to do, it will keep us going.

"It allows us to employ people and keeping staff is the greatest gift."

Herefordshire music service Encore Enterprises, in Lugwardine, deliver more than 60 weekly music tuition services to over 6,000 local young people and run youth music group activities.

They also have a community outreach programme that provides music-based opportunities for all ages, abilities, disabilities, and financial means.

The funding of £30,000 will be used to reflate reserves.

Gordon Bennetts Bar, in St Peters Street, is an independent bar and live music venue in Hereford.

Live bands perform every Friday and Saturday night, and they offer young people the opportunity to play to an audience.

It also works with local colleges and youth groups to provide them with a performance space where they can undertake assessments for their courses.

The £37,000 of funding they will receive will replenish their reserves while audiences return to the venue.

"We are very grateful to have been recognised by the arts council.

"The bands make Gordon Bennetts what it is, and we are pleased that we can continue to provide live music free in Hereford.

"We would also like to take this opportunity to thank the musicians, staff and customers who have continued to support us after a difficult year. Here's to 2022," said owner Rob Gordon Bennett.