Arts, culture and heritage organisations in west Dorset will share in a funding lifeline of more than £3 million.

The funding, from the second stage of the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund, is designed to help organisations recover from the pandemic, start to reopen and continue to serve communities into the future.

Performing arts venues including Bridport's Electric Palace and Lyme's Marine Theatre will benefit from funding through the Arts Council, as well arts organisations and theatre companies including Stuff and Nonsense based at the Lyric, Activate Performing Arts which specialises in outdoor events, and the community enterprise Lyme Bay Arts CIC.

Bredy Farm near Burton Bradstock which hosts live music festivals has also received some money.

The Marine, which is run by Lyme Arts Community Trust Ltd, receives £104,296 to help it reopen and recovery.

After months of closures and cancellations, this funding will be helpful for organisations such as the Marine transitioning back to normal. Covid safety means increased costs and work for arts venues after a year without normal income.

Director of the Marine Theatre Gabby Rabbitts said: “This is very good news for Lyme Regis residents who like to have fun. We can't wait to open the doors and welcome back the community. Over the last few years, we've expanded our events so there is something for everyone. The government's fund is only awarded to viable organisations, so this grant is a recognition of that successful turnaround. The pandemic has been a punishing time for the Marine, and I thank our volunteers and staff. We've tried hard to raise money and make difficult savings."

The arts venue's plans include outside events in the spring such as a concert from Ivor Novello singer Scott Matthews and a family theatre show called Oh Mary. Inside events such as a visit from big-name comedian Ed Byrne are scheduled for later in the year. These big names run alongside community events such as a technical training course to help young people into arts work, a new community play, and a beer festival with local musicians as entertainment.

Recovery funding has also been distributed to local attractions and events via the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Dorset heritage attractions getting a boost include the Swanage Railway (£189,200) and the Great Dorset Steam Fair (£136,000).

Arts organisations in Dorset Council area getting from the Culture Recovery Fund:

Activate Performing Arts Ltd, £59,428

b-side Multimedia Festival CIC, £34,958

Bredy Farm, £25,000

Bridport Electric Palace Company Limited, £25,000

Cape Farewell, £28,600

Copper Red design, £36,350

Diverse City, £69,940

Lance Show and Publications Limited, £206,621

Lyme Bay Arts CiC, £25,000

LymeArts Community Trust Ltd, £104,296

Made to Measure Productions Ltd, £50,217

Stagecore Productions LTD, £25,000

Stuff and Nonsense Theatre Company, £46,819

Tivoli Theatre, £144,474

Twins Worldwide Ltd, £235,000

Weymouth Pavilion CIC, £145,895

Wolf Event Services Ltd, £120,000