Record labels association, the BPI, which also organises The BRIT Awards and Hyundai Mercury Prize, today welcomes the support for live music venues included in the Cultural Recovery Fund announced by Arts Council England (ACE) this morning.

The announcement means that a number of music venues, along with other arts organisations, that applied for less than £1 million from the government's £1.57bn cultural recovery fund earlier this year, will now receive a share of £257m government money to help them survive the next six months.

Geoff Taylor, Chief Executive BPI, BRIT Awards and Mercury Prize, said:

"We applaud this investment by Government into the future of music and arts. We are delighted to see a wide range of different organisations, from famous venues to orchestras, local pubs and nightclubs, receive funding. This will not only help sustain our cultural life, it will make it easier for music to bounce back as a major driver of economic growth."