The Grand Theatre, Blackpool is asking its customers, supporters and anyone passing the theatre to donate their old one pound coins towards the #PlayYourPart charity campaign.
No longer considered legal tender from 15 October 2017, the old one pound coin or ‘round pound’ will not be accepted at shops and must be exchanged at a bank, though research by YouGov for the Royal Mint, found that around 5% of people plan on donating their leftover coins to good causes.
Launched to raise awareness of the work The Grand Theatre does in Blackpool and the surrounding region, the #PlayYourPart campaign encourages people to think about supporting the theatre by donating or by leaving a legacy. Any gifts received will help introduce, encourage and develop children in the arts and allow them to express, explore and develop their natural talents.
Ruth Eastwood, CEO, The Grand said: “The Grand survives on the generosity of donations and the support of its locals. Hearing how many old one pound coins are still in circulation, this is a way for them to be put to great use. We hope to have a great success, please just pop in and drop them off.
“Last year, 10,000 school children benefitted from discounted ticket from the campaign to see performances at the theatre. A further 3,000 young people performed on the stage as part of Au Revoir Review and Schools Alive, and 30 local schools are part of our literacy project in partnership with the Royal Shakespeare Company. So, you can be assured these one pound coins will go towards great projects.”
Following the success of #PlayYourPart, the theatre will be taking part in UK Charity Week 4 to 10 December, where the theatre will be asking people to help raise money in aid of Blackpool’s Grand Theatre.
Old pound coins along with other donations can be deposited with box office staff or in one of the collection buckets at the beginning and end of performances.
You can make a one-off donation to The Grand Theatre you can go to the website blackpoolgrand.co.uk/donations