Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) will be showcasing the legacy of 15 years of support for heritage in the East of England - as well as debating on the future of heritage with local politicians, heritage organisations and local people.

HLF will be showcasing the legacy of 15 years of support for heritage in the East of England - as well as debating on the future of heritage with local politicians, heritage organisations and local people.

In the last 15 years the Heritage Lottery fund has awarded £282.3 million of grants in the East of England alone. Our investment has not only revitalised museums, parks, historic buildings, landscapes and wildlife sites, but has given a new meaning to heritage itself by preserving stories, cultural traditions and by getting more people directly involved.

By working with local people and organisations, HLF has helped ensure both our local heritage and those sites of international heritage importance, can be preserved, explored and enjoyed by as many people as possible - both now and for many generations to come.

Robyn Llewellyn, Head of Heritage Lottery East of England, said: “Over the last 15 years we have funded an amazing 2,780 projects across the East of England. We believe that understanding, celebrating and sharing our heritage has the power to bring people together and provide the foundation of a modern confident society, whether it is through multi-million pound investment in The Imperial War Museum at Duxford or £25,000 to help young people trace the history of Sawston Village Cinema”

Robyn, continued: “Most importantly, we want people to realise that heritage is not just about the past, but about the future too. Thanks to the continued support of lottery players was expect to be investing £180million per year to new heritage projects - and that is something that is definitely worth celebrating.”

Notes to editors

Since 1994 over £23billion - that’s £25million each week - has been raised by Lottery players for the arts, sport heritage, environment, education, health, charity and voluntary sectors.

In that time the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has awarded over £4.3billion to more than 28,800 projects across the UK. From museums, parks and historic buildings, to archaeology, traditional skills and the environment, HLF has supported every part of the UK’s diverse heritage.