THE STABLES Theatre at Wavendon has launched a new fundraising initiative which aims to bring the joy and inspiration of live arts and entertainment to young people in the Milton Keynes area.
Businesses and individuals are being invited to make a donation to the Pay It Forward campaign. All money raised will be used to provide free or heavily subsidised tickets to performances at The Stables for younger audiences, especially those who might otherwise be unable to attend due to reasons of cost, lack of transport or other economic and social factors.
Founded as a registered charity by the world-famous jazz musicians Sir John Dankworth and Dame Cleo Laine in 1970, The Stables is one of the UK’s most popular music and entertainment venues. It presents a programme of more than 400 performances every year, featuring leading artists and bands drawn from all genres of music. The venue also presents regular family shows as well as running a year-round programme of outreach and engagement with schools and local communities.
The Stables’ chief executive and artistic director Monica Ferguson pictured right said: “We all know that live music and performance have the power to inspire, entertain and bring joy. What’s also clear is that the past few years have been tough for everyone, and particularly for young people.
“In setting up the Pay It Forward campaign, we are asking for the support of the local community – both businesses and individuals – to enable young people in Milton Keynes, particularly those who might otherwise not get the opportunity, to see and enjoy a live performance at The Stables.”
“The more we can raise through the Pay It Forward initiative, the greater number of young people will benefit. For example, every £14.50 raised will allow one young person to see our Christmas show Hansel & Gretel this December.”
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Nick Cope (pictured above) is a regular at The Stables, performing his annual Family Concert. He performs with his guitar and animations to sell-out audiences all over the country and his fan base has grown immeasurably over the last year thanks to the success of his CBeebies show Nick Cope’s Popcast.
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The Stables, which also produces IF: Milton Keynes International Festival, will be working in partnership with other local charities, community and education organisations to reach those young people who would benefit most.
Over the course of this year’s Festival in July, The Stables team worked closely with Milton Keynes City Council on targeted work reaching out to communities and families who face barriers to attending events. The Festival organised a number of specially created Days Out at The Festival for families in Bletchley and offered free and subsidised tickets to community groups across the city, who otherwise would not have to be able to have attend.
To make a donation to the Pay It Forward Campaign, visit stables.org/pay-it-forward or contact Cat Moore, executive director at The Stables at cat.moore@stables.org
