A YOUTH theatre programme has been given a grant of more than £140,000 to digitalise its theatre space.

Burnley Youth Theatre has received a grant of £142,638 from Arts Council England’s Capital Investment Programme.

The funding will be used to digitise theatre space by installing an immersive AV projector, upgrading its existing facilities and creating an outdoor classroom.

Darren Henley, chief executive of Arts Council England, said: “With these investments in the buildings, equipment, and digital systems of cultural organisations across England, we are helping to secure the future of that infrastructure, and making sure that people from every part of the country can continue enjoying all the benefits it delivers for years to come.”

Set up in 1973, Burnley Youth Theatre delivers, produces and programmes a wide range of creative activities, productions and events which engage children, young people and families from their purpose-built theatre and across the community.

Anthony Preston, Chair of Trustees at Burnley Youth Theatre, added: “At the heart of these changes are improving our green credentials, extending yet further our inclusivity and opportunities for children, young people and their families, and providing a welcoming and excellent experience for our audiences, participants and the local community of Burnley.”

As part of these 2021-22 and 2022-23 grants, over £22.7 million has been awarded to 66 cultural organisations across the country, including Burnley Youth Theatre.

The Capital Investment Programme aims to help cultural organisations across the country transform their buildings and equipment so they can operate safely post-pandemic, improve access, seize technological opportunities, and reduce environmental impact.