Introducing Creative Burntwood

Lichfield Garrick Theatre is thrilled to announce that we’ve secured almost £300,000 National Lottery Place Partnership 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.” 

In Partnership with Lichfield District Council 

Cllr Doug Pullen, Leader of Lichfield District Council, said: 

"This is fantastic news for Burntwood and for our district as a whole. Creative Burntwood is exactly the kind of community-driven project we want to see more of, giving people of all ages the chance to connect, learn new skills, and discover the power of the arts right on their doorstep. 

“We’re proud to support this partnership and I’m excited to see how it will help unlock talent, inspire confidence and create opportunities that last well beyond the next three years. I can’t wait to see Burntwood’s creative spark shine even brighter." 

Peter Knott, Midlands Area Director at Arts Council England said: 

“We’re pleased to be investing almost £300,000 into Burntwood and Litchfield through our Place Partnership programme, which uses money from the National Lottery.  

“We know that creative and cultural activities can make us feel happier and proud of the places that we live. This funding will support large-scale cultural projects connecting people to local heritage, workshops and performances, improved creative education, a brand-new youth theatre programme and more. It will mark a real step change in the area, helping more people to experience, connect and take part in creativity and culture on their own doorsteps.”    

Want to Get Involved? 

We’re kicking things off properly this Autumn. We'll let you know when you can come along, meet the team, find out more, and start your creative journey with us. 

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