August 27, 2020 10.27 am This story is over 43 months old

Outrage after council cuts crucial Lincoln Drill Hall grant

The decision has upset a lot of people
Lincoln Drill Hall on Freeschool Lane.
By Local Democracy Reporter

People in Lincoln are angry that the city council cut its yearly grant to Lincoln Drill Hall, which would spell the end for the already financially troubled venue.

The Drill Hall previously warned that cancelling the crucial grant that is given to the centre would probably result in its closure.

With its own budgets reduced in recent years, the council voted to drop the grant payments from March 2021.

The venue didn’t plan to reopen until 2021 at the earliest due to pandemic restrictions.

Lincoln Drill Hall posted an emotional Twitter post where it thanked all staff members and audiences, as well as those who fought to keep the grant.

The Drill Hall CEO Chris Kirkwood also shared this thoughts on Twitter, discussing how difficult this has been for him via a thread of tweets.

Rachael Burnett, the person who started the petition to save the Drill Hall, which now has over 5,000 signatures, took to social media to express her disappointment.

Commenting on The Lincolnite‘s story on the decision, people were outraged and saddened by the decision.

Jeanne Bain said: “It is very sad, this unique venue is so important to the arts in Lincoln! No other venue has the versatility of the Drill Hall.”

Bob Chatterton owes a lot to the Drill Hall’s work thanks to the help they gave his son.

“This is absolutely gutting. They add so much to the arts in Lincoln and it is such a fantastic venue. My son is now training professionally in London thanks to the support he received from LATA and the Drill Hall.”

Wendy Margetts commented: “How sad. If Lincoln loses The Drill Hall they lose an amazing venue that serves the community and makes theatre and music accessible to all. I hope they can find someone to help them out.”

Nick Parker rather poignantly said: “The Drill Hall is a jewel in the crown of Lincoln culture.”

After receiving backlash online, the City of Lincoln Council urged people watch a video from council leader Ric Metcalfe, who explained the issues surrounding the decision.

Lincoln Drill Hall grant

On Wednesday 26 August, the council's Executive will reflect on the future of its grant funding of Lincoln Drill Hall. Here, Cllr Ric Metcalfe, leader of the city council, outlines its long association with the Drill Hall and some of what will be being considered as part of the decision-making process.

Posted by City of Lincoln Council on Monday, 24 August 2020

“We completely understand that people are upset. It is worth taking time to watch this video from Cllr Ric Metcalfe, leader of the city council, who describes the things that Executive were considering as part of their decision-making process,” the council commented.

This was met with more angry reactions, such as this one from Iggy Patel, who mentioned the inclusivity and diversity of the Drill Hall.

“Thank you, close down one of the most disabled accessible venues. Obviously taking serious consideration as always of your equality duties.”