Cromford Mills lights up in rainbow colours for coronavirus support

The Derbyshire heritage attraction projected a rainbow light display on one of its historic mill buildings and shared it with everyone on social media.

Simon Wallwork, chief executive of Cromford Mills, said: “The rainbow trail is about spreading hope and uplifting people’s spirits.

“We think it is important to say thank you to all those key workers and NHS staff who are working hard to protect us in these difficult times, as well as everyone who is staying home to save lives.”

Like many visitor attractions across the country, Cromford Mills has closed its gates to help stop the spread of covid-19, cancelling 50 events to date and furloughing more than 30 members of staff in the process.

It now relies solely on social media to engage creatively with its visitors and is posting a range of light-hearted and informative content to try to keep spirits up.

Conscious of the cancelled educational programme, it is also developing free online learning resources on their website for families.

Follow the link here to access learning from home, primary and secondary resources.

To help it cope with lost revenue during the lockdown, the venue has also launched a fundraising campaign asking for heritage heroes to support it while it’s closed.

Hannah Steggles, head of heritage, said: “Cromford Mills was rescued from demolition in the 1970s by a group of determined volunteers who formed The Arkwright Society, our first heritage heroes.

“The Arkwright Society has looked after the site ever since and turned it into a thriving visitor attraction and small business hub.

“We are an independent educational charity and rely on the income from our ticket sales, car parking, cafes, office rentals and donations to preserve the site for future generations.

“Now more than ever, we need heritage heroes from all over the country to help us weather this storm.’

To make a donation, click here.

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