Islanders are among thousands to be handed cash by the government's Culture Recovery Fund, set up to support the arts through Covid-19.

Successful applicants in round two of the handout, which nationally includes repayable loans and grants, have been revealed this morning (Friday).

Many have called it a lifeline.

Among those reacting to the news is Newport's Quay Arts.

Isle of Wight County Press: Quay Arts

The Newport Harbour arts hubs and cafe said it was 'thrilled' to receive around £60,000.

In a Twitter post, it said it meant "we can continue to be here for you."

Meanwhile, Isle of Wight retro festival Jack Up The Summer said it was 'humbled' and 'grateful' to be handed nearly £100,000.

Organisers of the event, which should return on August 6-8, said: "We are absolutely delighted and extremely grateful to announce that we have been awarded lifeline funding...to ensure our much-loved festival, Jack Up The Summer, has a bright and sustainable future.

"This funding will allow us to continue to deliver high-quality affordable, locally accessible, life-affirming musical entertainment, enabling people of all ages to enjoy the festival experience, whilst making a positive contribution to our Island community.

"Our ethos has always been to invest in local services, whilst giving back to charities and good causes.

"At this challenging time for the cultural sector, such support will be vital in securing employment opportunities for the huge ecosystem surrounding our festival and all the very many local businesses, freelancers and creatives involved in staging it."

Isle of Wight County Press: Spotlight

Spotlight, which runs stage schools and shows on the Island, called its £107,000 award "the lifeline we so greatly needed".

It told the County Press, "We are over the moon to be able to keep the light shining for the arts on the Island."

Revealing today's investment, culture secretary Oliver Dowden said: I am delighted to announce that round 2 of the £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund has been awarded to over 2,700 organisations across the UK.

"Nearly £400 million in grants and loans will help the culture sector pull through the pandemic and prepare to reopen again."

Shanklin Theatre will get £37,000, supporting it towards staging its first shows in months later this year.

StageGear Rentals in Cowes, which provides event set ups and equipment hire, has received more than £43,000.

Newport venue Strings has been awarded over £50,000.

Isle of Wight County Press: Jack Up The Summer

Ventnor Arts Club gets £26,000 and there is £30,000 for Ventnor Exchange, which tweeted to say it was 'thrilled' by the news.

Brading Roman Villa has been awarded £35,000.

Newport's Minster Church of Sts Thomas is to receive over £26,000.

The Culture Recovery Fund was set up after criticism over the speed of the government's response to support those who rely on employment in arts and culture.

The sector has faced huge hardship since the first Covid-19 lockdown, in March 2020.

Nationally, in round two, Glastonbury Festival, the National Football Museum and Bamburgh Castle are among the organisations to be receiving payouts.

Isle of Wight MP Bob Seely MP said: "I strongly welcome this funding to 11 key businesses and organisations here on the Isle of Wight.

"I also welcome the funding for St Thomas’ in Newport. We are all looking forward to getting back to a new normal."