A call has been made to celebrate South Kesteven's village halls, especially as lockdown limits their incomes and activities.

This week is Village Halls Week (January 25 to 29) a national event celebrating the volunteers who run them and the difference they make to local communities.

Organised by ACRE (Action with Communities in Rural England) the 2021 campaign has been billed as a celebration of how village halls bring people together in rural communities.

Cllr Rosemary Trollope-Bellew, the Cabinet Member for Culture at SKDC, said: "Whilst the usual flurry of activity that usually marks national Village Halls Week isn't possible under the current lockdown, the contribution these buildings make to the cultural calendar of the district shouldn't go unmarked.

"Collectively throughout the year they host a huge array of arts activities including performances, exhibitions, workshops, classes and lots more.

"Sadly, their income from events will have taken an enormous hit over 2020 and, as soon as it is safe to do so, residents are encouraged to support them over the coming months."

Each year SKDC works with the Live & Local Rural Touring scheme, traditionally presenting more than 20 productions each year at ten or more venues. The Cultural Services team has also worked with artists, hosting events at other rural locations, with plans to promote a series of activities across the district at Easter.

Michael Cross, the Head of Arts and Culture at SKDC, said: "South Kesteven is blessed with an excellent collection of village halls run by dedicated and hardworking teams of volunteers. Village Halls Week offers a great opportunity to demonstrate our appreciation for their efforts and the part village hall venues play in supporting the creative sector and local communities.

"Volunteering support and attending activities at these buildings in 2021 will be vital to their recovery.

"Huge amounts of time and effort have been spent ensuring village halls are Covid-secure so that the community can return to enjoy events when restrictions are lifted. We look forward to working with these important partners again very soon."

To find out more about National Village Halls Week go to www.acre.org.uk and for details about the Live and Local Rural Touring Scheme go to www.liveandlocal.org.uk