Birmingham Hippodrome has opened its doors to the public once again with the help of a £2.5m loan.

The independent charity received a CBILS loan from Lloyds Bank which will provide extra security as plans for re-opening get underway following enforced closure in March 2020.

Tim Maycock, Birmingham Hippodrome finance director, said: “The effects of the pandemic on the arts sector has been profound, both culturally and financially. The loan we have received from Lloyds Bank has given us a welcome and much needed safety net whilst moving forward with our reopening plans. We are now in a position where we can look ahead with confidence to welcoming audiences back to our venue and providing more cultural moments for people across the region to enjoy.”

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Birmingham Hippodrome recently announced a two-phase reopening plan – firstly opening its doors to the public in May, welcoming back Van Gogh Alive, produced by Grande Experiences before the auditorium will close for six weeks to be transformed back into a theatre and will reopen again with Andrew Lloyd Webber and Don Black’s classic musical Tell Me on a Sunday on Tuesday 24 August.

Maycock added “Lloyds Bank has been a financial partner to the Hippodrome for close to 40 years and its unwavering support is more important now than ever.”

Sonia Janagal, relationship manager at Lloyds Bank, said: “Birmingham Hippodrome brings so much to the city, be it providing the opportunity for local people to enjoy world-class performances, education work and festivals. We are delighted that our support will help give extra security throughout the next 12 months.”