Lichfield Garrick Theatre Secures Arts Council England Funding to Launch Exciting Three-Year Cultural Project in Burntwood
Bringing Creativity, Confidence and Culture to the Heart of Burntwood.

Lichfield Garrick Theatre is thrilled to announce that they have secured funding from Arts Council England to launch a bold and exciting three-year outreach project in Burntwood, in partnership with Burntwood Town Council and Lichfield District Council.

Together, we’ll be bringing a whole host of creative and cultural opportunities to the town. Everything from family theatre shows to youth theatre, creative projects for early years, and even a spectacular Community Play connecting young people with their local heritage. And that’s just for starters!

We’ve called it Creative Burntwood, and it’s all about unleashing the creative spark in everyone, from toddlers to teenagers, parents to pensioners. Whether you’re already getting creative or just fancy giving something new a go, we want YOU to be part of it.

All participatory activities will be completely free, with professional performances at affordable prices, so that everyone in the community has the chance to get involved, build new skills, and have fun doing it.

Why Burntwood? Why Now?

Burntwood is brimming with potential, but it’s also an area that’s seen fewer cultural opportunities than other parts of the district. Over the past year, we’ve been talking to local people and running pilot projects to find out what residents want to see. This funding allows us to put those ideas into action and make a real, lasting difference.
This project isn’t just about putting on events, it’s about improving the cultural offer in Burntwood. We want to build something that lasts: creative skills, community confidence, and local cultural leaders who can carry this work forward long after the three years are up.

Daniel Buckroyd, CEO & Artistic Director of Lichfield Garrick Theatre, said:

“We are absolutely thrilled to have worked with Burntwood Town Council & Lichfield District Council to secure this funding from Arts Council England to deliver Creative Burntwood. Burntwood is a brilliant community, full of untapped creativity and potential, and this project is about opening doors for people of all ages to get involved, try something new, and feel part of something special. During our community consultation, 64% of respondents told us they don’t currently take part in any creative activities. That shows just how vital this investment is and how much opportunity there is to make a real, lasting impact.
At the same time, Creative Burntwood will also create exciting opportunities for professional artists to connect with new communities, collaborate, and develop their own practice. A big part of this project is about upskilling, from young people finding their voice on stage, to volunteers stepping into leadership roles, to artists expanding their toolkit. It’s about nurturing creativity at every level, and we can’t wait to get started.”

We also hope to be working with brilliant regional partners like Lichfield Festival and Fuse Festival, plus amazing local organisations including schools, Spark Children’s Centre, the library, and Burntwood Memorial Hall.

In Partnership with Burntwood Town Council

Cllr Laura Ennis, Chair of Burntwood Town Council, said:

“It’s fantastic news that the Lichfield Garrick Theatre has received funds from the Arts Council for the Creative Burntwood project that we have been working in partnership on. I can’t wait to see all of the plans and activity that the Garrick have planned over the next 3 years come to life. We at Burntwood Town Council look forward to continuing to work with them, so that our community can enjoy the opportunities this exciting project will create here in Burntwood.”

Want to Get Involved?

The Lichfield Garrick will be kicking things off properly this September with a special launch event. Come along, meet the team, find out more, and start your creative journey with us.

For more information and updates, visit: www.CreativeBurntwood.com