BUSINESS CLUB members at Northampton’s Royal & Derngate are again delving into their pockets to support the venue’s Unforgettable Gift Appeal.
The venue is working with Northamptonshire Community Foundation and the Lamport Hall Preservation Trust to present hundreds of free tickets to its Christmas shows to on this year’s Unforgettable Gift appeal.
The annual campaign, which began 2015, is also supported by the generosity of the theatre’s audience many of its Business Club members. Theatregoers are invited to add a gift aid donation of £10 when they book for a performance at the Royal & Derngate. The theatre then matches the donation to provide free tickets to this year’s pantomime Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and the show Stick Man.
In previous years the appeal has given more than 3,000 tickets to families in need. The Royal & Derngate is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. Donations will also help support bursary places for young people taking part in youth theatre activities.
Royal & Derngate’s marketing, sales and development director Chris Evans said: “We are so grateful to our audiences and supporters who help us to make this campaign a success each year. It gives us such a thrill to know that together we are able to spread some much-needed joy to those who might otherwise not be able to enjoy the magic of theatre this Christmas.”
Northamptonshire Community Foundation has supported the campaign from its launch through its Arts and Music Fund.
To donate, call the Royal & Dernate box office on 01604 624811 or visitwww.royalandderngate.co.uk/together/individual-giving/give-unforgettable-gift. Businesses able to offer support should contact development manager Chris Smith at .
Northamptonshire Community Foundation’s chief executive Rachel McGrath said: “We support our county’s most vulnerable residents, funding local charities and agencies that work to provide help and support where needed.
“We are thrilled to be providing funding from our Arts and Music Fund to support the Royal & Derngate’s Unforgettable Gift appeal for the eighth year in a row, enabling families experiencing financial hardship or living on a restricted budget to enjoy the Christmas magic of pantomime.
“This year’s performances of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at Royal and Derngate will be a wonderful and magical experience for young people and families during the festive season helping make special memories.”