BELPER ARTS FESTIVAL AWARDED NATIONAL LOTTERY GRANT

National Lottery support for Belper Arts Festival to mark First World War Centenary

Today Belper Arts Festival has received £4800 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for a project, IN WARTIME 1917 -  1922 in Belper. Made possible by National Lottery players , the project will focus on life in Belper during the last two years of the First World War and the aftermath.

To mark the Centenary of the First World War, the project will enable local people in Belper to come together to preserve the  memories and heritage of the people who lived through the First World War. Volunteers will collect photographs, newspaper clippings, documents, letters and photos of keepsakes, as well as family tales passed down to help them build a clear picture of what life was really like between 1917 and 1922.

With help from professionals, the information gathered will be digitally recorded and an on-line interactive archive will be created where everyone can access and contribute information. The archive will allow the public to discuss, contribute, share and research information about the Home Front.

Commenting on the award, George Gunby said: “We are thrilled to have received the support of the National Lottery. The funding will enable us with Belper In Wartime to complete the work begun four years ago.”

HERITAGE LOTTERY FUND QUOTE

Thanks to National Lottery players, we invest money to help people across the UK explore, enjoy and protect the heritage they care about - from the archaeology under our feet to the historic parks and buildings we love, from precious memories and collections to rare wildlife. www.hlf.org.uk.  Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and use #National Lottery and #HLFsupported.

To date, £94million in HLF grants has been awarded to projects across the UK so they can mark the Centenary and explore all aspects of First World War heritage that matters to them. Through its First World War: then and now  programme, HLF is making at least £1million available per year for six years until 2019.  It is providing grants between £3,000 and £10,000 enabling communities and groups right across the UK to explore, conserve and share their First World War heritage and deepen their understanding of the impact of the conflict.  To find out how to apply for funding visit www.hlf.org.uk/thenandnow  If a group needs a grant of more than £10,000 for a First World War project, it can apply to HLF through its open programmes www.hlf.org.uk/firstworldwar

To join the conversation on social media please use #understandingww1

For further information, images and interviews please contact GEORGE GUNBY at BELPER ARTS FESTIVAL on TEL07847 478251 OR EMAIL nonnel@sky.com