HAREWOOD House has been given £700,000 from the Government’s £1.57 billion Cultural Recovery Fund.

The trust which runs the estate has described the funding as a "vital lifeline" to help the charity recovery from the impact of covid-19.

Harewood was among 26 cultural organisations in Leeds to receive part of a £4.4 million funding boost last week, as part of the £1.57 billion fund.

Among those missing out is Yeadon Town Hall which is not being awarded any of the latest money assigned to museums and arts organisations.

Harewood House Trust said: "During the pandemic lock-down, Harewood was forced to close its doors to visitors for 14-weeks, a significant proportion of its nine-month open season, resulting in an estimated loss of more than 80,000 visitors and an estimated £1.2 million in losses by year end. As an independent charity, Harewood is reliant upon income from visitor admission to continue its important work inspiring creativity and enriching lives for its local Leeds communities and further afield; this loss of revenue having a devastating impact upon the charity’s finances and plans for the future.

"This grant was the latest in a line of fundraising initiatives supporting the charity through the pandemic; last week we were awarded £296,128 by Historic England and DCMS as part of their Programmes of Major Works grants, funding the vital restoration of Harewood’s Terrace Balustrade. In addition, earlier in the year, we were awarded an emergency National Heritage Lottery Fund to support our safe re-opening and were overwhelmed by the response to our first public appeal for Harewood’s beloved Bird Garden.

"Together, national funding bodies have offered Harewood an outstanding £1m plus lifeline for the charity to date, this, coupled with the continued support from our loyal Members, Harewood now looks to a brighter future following Covid-19."

The latest investment of £695,556 from the Cultural Recovery Fund will support a new programme of learning activities throughout the Christmas season, a year-round series of outdoor, family-friendly events, and major investment in Harewood's technology infrastructure. It will also be used for a new canopy for the courtyard and other outdoor spaces providing safe outdoor, socially distanced seating, cover for shopping events, plus weddings and private hire.

Trust Director Jane Marriott said: "Harewood House Trust is an independent charity which is so heavily reliant on the income we receive from our visitors and much-loved members. This income helps us to protect, share and celebrate this wonderful house and grounds which is such an integral part of Yorkshire. Like many of our colleagues, Harewood's total closure earlier in the year placed us in such a difficult financial situation, facing over £1million in losses.

"However, the combination of our visitors’ support and a significant grant from the Culture Recovery Fund has secured Harewood’s future recovery, so that we can continue to do ambitious programming, and to make certain that this wonderful place can continue to be enjoyed by as many as possible. The national funding bodies’ confidence in Harewood’s work is very much needed and appreciated. We are now in a position to improve the site, develop our learning programme, continue to work with artists and maintain our ambitious visitor experience, looking once again to our future."

Tickets for Harewood’s 2020 Christmas season, to include New Year’s Day this year, are now on sale - adults £17.50, children £9, family £46 with online and early bird discounts available. Pre-booking is essential.