ESSEX: High Barn gets life-raft council grant

STAFF at High Barn in Great Bardfield received some good news this week after being allocated a life-raft grant from Essex County Council. Along with the Lindsell Art Gallery they were one of 15 attractions to receive a share of �350,000 to help them th

STAFF at High Barn in Great Bardfield received some good news this week after being allocated a 'life-raft' grant from Essex County Council.

Along with the Lindsell Art Gallery they were one of 15 attractions to receive a share of �350,000 to help them through the economic downturn.

High Barn spokesman Wendy Meldrum said: "This is good news. The grant was provided in order to support our entertainment programme.

"This means that we have now doubled the number of events for this year, our brochure is bursting with new exciting gigs.

"We are playing host to more well-known artists, such as Midge Ure and Richard Digence. It has also enabled us to run the East Anglia Guitar Festival on Sunday April 25, tickets �25.

"This massive all day event will involve the entire village not just High Barn, there will be activities happening at the Town Hall, The Vine, The Bell, and other village venues."

Attractions are once again being invited to apply for a maximum �50,000 share of the �1million Life Raft Trust funding. Applications close on Monday 4 October 2010. County Councillor Jeremy Lucas, cabinet member for heritage, culture and the arts, said: "I am incredibly proud of the work we are doing to help our attractions which contribute so much to our culture and economy."

To find out more call 01245 244685, or visit essex.gov.uk/liferafttrust