A HEREFORDSHIRE music festival in its 22nd year has been given £70,000 from the Government to help face the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic and to ensure they have a sustainable future.

Nozstock The Hidden Valley has been awarded the funding as part of the Government's £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund (CRF).

The live music and arts event, near Bromyard, is one of 1,385 cultural and creative organisations across the country receiving urgently needed support.

Now in its 22nd year, Nozstock is a family-run festival on a working farm.

The funding announced will allow the festival to maintain ‘business as usual'.

The festival’s ethos is about 'bringing play to everyone, in whatever form it can'.

Nozstock believes in the value of not only entertaining, but in participation and contribution.

Nozstock’s director, Ella Nosworthy, said: “Like all arts organisations Nozstock has been badly hit by the Coronavirus pandemic.

"It’s been an uncertain time for the whole team. This funding is vital support which will allow us to forge ahead with our plans for 2021, boost our accessibility and support our inclusion efforts, and keep delivering the eye-opening and intriguing programme we are known for.”

The Government's culture secretary Oliver Dowden said: “This funding is a vital boost for the theatres, music venues, museums and cultural organisations that form the soul of our nation.

"It will protect these special places, save jobs and help the culture sector’s recovery.

“These places and projects are cultural beacons the length and breadth of the country.

"This unprecedented investment in the arts is proof this Government is here for culture, with further support to come in the days and weeks ahead so that the culture sector can bounce back strongly.”