Lincoln Drill Hall donates Cinderella tickets supported by Lincoln Food Bank and YMCA

Lincoln Drill Hall is spreading some fairytale Christmas magic for families supported by Lincoln Food Bank and YMCA this year, giving them free tickets to see the Christmas panto.

The charity-run arts centre is demonstrating its commitment to the community and creating an inclusive creative space for local people by donating four family tickets for its 2019 pantomime, Cinderella, through Lincoln Food Bank and YMCA.

This has been made possible thanks to a generous offer from a local landlord who is hosting two pantomime cast members this year, and has suggested that a portion of the rent could be ‘paid forward’ in the form of tickets.

Lincoln Drill Hall is also encouraging members of the public and businesses to support its charitable efforts through its ‘Be a Brick’ appeal. The campaign aims to raise £130,000 by asking supporters to buy virtual bricks on its website for £10 or £50 per year. The venue needs to raise the money to continue its role within the community following a series of budget cuts in recent years. Since launching in February 2019, almost £100,000 has been raised.

For those looking for alternative or last minute Christmas presents, a donation on behalf of a loved one – or your Secret Santa – to the Drill Hall’s ‘Be A Brick’ fundraising campaign is the gift that keeps on giving.

The ‘Be a Brick’ campaign asks people to sponsor and protect one of the 500,000 bricks which make up the hall for £10 or £50. Donors get to choose a brick on a virtual donation wall on the Drill Hall website and they can leave a name and a short message. Simply donate your chosen amount and write a festive message that can then be presented to your loved one.

For the first time, Drill Hall is working with the new Lincoln company Everfund to make donating even easier. Everfund’s contactless technology will be installed on every seat across the auditorium, so anyone watching Cinderella can simply scan a code with their phone and donate to Lincoln Drill Hall’s ‘Be A Brick’ campaign.

The Lincoln venue has also recently announced its Spring 2020 programme, which is packed full of household names and innovative performances. Tickets are now available to be purchased, just in time for Christmas.

Chris added: “There has been a huge trend in shopping locally to boost local high streets and independent shops in recent years. We hope that our Spring programme will provide some inspiration for people looking for a unique Christmas present that will not only provide an incredible experience for their loved one, but will support the Drill Hall as we continue to support innovative art and provide a space for creativity and inclusivity.

“From incredible musical performances to hilarious comedians, we have something for even the most difficult people to buy for!”

For lovers of folk rock, Fairport Convention will be taking to the stage on Thursday 6th February, while fans of Britain’s Got Talent will be in for a treat when global superstar La Voix returns to the Drill Hall on Saturday 15th. With fans including Sir Ian McKellen, Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders, she isn’t one to be missed.

Comedian Phil Wang, who has made a name for himself on the Edinburgh Fringe, and has appeared on Taskmaster and Live at the Apollo, is bringing ‘Philly Philly Wang Wang’ to Lincoln – perfect for comedy lovers.

Current affairs aficionados will enjoy a visit from Jeremy Vine on Friday 13th March. ‘What the Hell is Going On?!, and anyone who enjoys a dose of 007 over the festive period will love nothing more than tickets to ‘The BBC Big Band: The Music of James Bond…And Beyond!’ on Thursday 9th April.

As one of the world’s finest jazz orchestras, The BBC Big Band is best known for performing on BBC Radio 2 and 3, and will be performing classic Bond numbers to celebrate the latest installment in the franchise.

To be a brick and buy a brick, or for tickets for Spring 2020 performances, visit lincolndrillhall.com for more details.