Love Culture Week launches today
Today, Monday 17 August, marks the start of Love Culture Week, a week-long celebration launched by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) to highlight the important role played by cultural organisations, big and small, across the UK.
Many tourist and visitor attractions have recently reopened their doors to the public, including museums, galleries, open-air theatres, libraries, historical castles and heritage sites, and these all need our support more than ever.
Love Culture Week has been warmly welcomed by Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership (CLEP) as it fits very well with CLEP’s ongoing campaign to ‘think local’ in order to support Cumbria’s economy and protect local businesses and jobs.
CLEP is encouraging everybody to join a social media celebration day on Thursday 20 August by sharing photos of their ‘staycation’, day trips and visits to museums, galleries and other cultural attractions, here in Cumbria. Those looking to share their memories are asked to use the hashtags #ThinkCumbria, #EnjoySummerSafely and #ThrowbackThursday.
Jo Lappin, Chief Executive of CLEP and Chair of the Business and Economic Response and Recovery Group, said: “Cumbria has so much to offer and explore, including two World Heritage Sites, three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, more Michelin star restaurants than anywhere north of London, and fantastic arts, culture and heritage offers. Currently, our excellent businesses and cultural venues really do need our support, so now is the perfect time to go and explore Cumbria’s cultural offer.
“The arts and cultural sector is a critical component in the quality of life in Cumbria. It helps drive the visitor economy, supports community wellbeing and provides great spaces for people to relax and socialise safely. Unfortunately, like other sectors, many cultural organisations had to close due to COVID-19 restrictions.
“Now that the sector has reopened, CLEP would really encourage everybody to take some time out and support their local museums, galleries, and exhibitions. Many cultural organisations are charities and are very much relying on the income that they receive from people visiting – both locals and those from outside of Cumbria. Without this support, some of our vital cultural assets could be lost.
“Our organisations can and will offer all of our residents and visitors a great cultural and safe experience and after months of lockdown provide a much needed boost to wellbeing.”
Visitors are reminded that booking in advance is now essential at many places, so make sure you check out the visitor guidance before your trip to ensure you aren’t missing important information. VisitBritain’s ‘Know Before You Go’ page offers plenty of advice so you can prepare and feel reassured before your visit. Likewise, keep a look out for the new industry standard ‘Good to Go’, which has been introduced by VisitEngland for hotels, accommodation providers and visitor attractions to help us feel confident that businesses are adhering to government safety guidance.