GENEROUS locals have donated more than £3,500 to a flood-hit independent arts venue and family home in Penrith.

Penrith's Upfront Arts Venue, their holiday rental cottage and the Parkinson family's residence suffered severe flooding on Thursday, May 22.

Water runoff from nearby farmland resulted in considerable flooding to the cafe, gallery, theatre and family home, prompting the Parkinsons to start a GoFundMe in the wake of the business' temporary closure. 

The Upfront Arts Venue, in operation since 1997, serves as an essential hub for Cumbrian arts, music, and culture.

Currently, they're focused on retaining the venue's functionality after all the floors have been torn up with the help of community members. 

They are aiming for a swift reopening.

"It’s been an emotional rollercoaster with the houses being affected as well," Ben Parkinson said. 

"We have just been able to navigate the increase in utility bills recently, as has everyone,  it would be a shame to come to a standstill just for being flooded.

"We’d be doing our puppet museum, preparing art shows and music events now if it wasn’t for the flood – a side step we’re having to make for the last week," he said. 

The fundraiser proceeds aim to ease the immediate stress on their financial resources.

The assistance affords them to cover additional help costs, insurance expenses, and loss of earnings while replacing damaged goods that insurance doesn’t cover.

"We’ve never done anything like this before but if there was ever a time, it’s now," Ben said. 

"We’re well-loved as a venue and provide something for the community – the response has been amazing so far.

 "A massive and huge thank you to anyone who has contributed to the GoFund.

"It will get put to good use and we really appreciate it," Ben said. 

To donate to the ongoing fundraiser, you can click here. 

Reopening plans will be announced on social media soon.