CULTURE Secretary Andy Burnham today denied taxpayers funding a million free theatre tickets for youngsters was a New Labour "gimmick."

The £2.5 million scheme will entitle people under 26 to free tickets to performances at theatres across England, in a bid to open up arts to a wider audience.

Visiting The Lowry arts centre in Salford, ahead of his conference speech today, the minister defended the policy and said it would encourage people from all walks of life to enjoy live theatre.

He said: "It can change people's lives, it can give them new insights, it can broaden their minds and help them achieve their potential.

"The Tories regard this as a luxury for those who can afford it.

"There was a period in this country when, sport, culture and arts were seen as add ons. This is what gives people quality of life.

"I think it's entirely right the Government should make all these good things available.

"I reject the idea it is a gimmick, people said free entrance to museums and galleries was a gimmick, people said the free swimming scheme we are introducing was a gimmick, but I will be announcing at conference today that 300 councils have asked to take part.

"Now I'm hearing that people are calling this a gimmick.

"It doesn't surprise me, it's what people always say, but the evidence speaks for itself.

"If you look at museums and galleries, there was a huge boost in people from all walks of life going to museums and galleries and that's been a really good thing."

Organised by Arts Council England, 95 playhouses will offer a proportion of free tickets on the same night each week, dubbed 'Happy Mondays'.

The scheme will start in the half-term school holidays in February 2009 and last for two years.

Mr Burnham launched the scheme at the Lowry while visiting the cast of 'Salford Macbeth' a community production including professional actors and local people.

He said it was an "accident" he was visiting a rehearsal of Shakespeare's play about a Scotsman whose ambition drives him to scheme against his master but ultimately ends in tragedy when he himself gets the top job.

"What we have got at conference this week is a Scottish Prime Minister who is also a British Prime Minister who has united his party and set out a vision for the country.

"We might produce good drama in the Labour Party at times, but at the end of the day we will bring the house down, and you will see the Labour members get behind him and support him and rise as one at the end of the performance."

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