Popular restaurateur Junior Poon has pledged to raise £5,000 towards the Curzon’s fundraising appeal to #BringBackTheBalcony. From today, until the end of August, Junior will donate 100% from the sale of gift vouchers, up to a maximum of £5,000. The money raised will help pay for the Curzon’s historic balcony to be reopened 49 years after it was closed to the public. The project will help put the charity in a stronger position to survive and recover from devastating financial impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Junior said:
“The Curzon is such a vital part of our community, a place that is loved by us all. I’m delighted to support such a wonderful project to bring back the lost era of the unique balcony and help the Curzon come back stronger after one of the most difficult years in its history.”
Gift vouchers will have a special extended life of two years and be valid for spend on takeaways, in the restaurant and wine bar (when restrictions lift) or when dining al fresco (from today, Weds 14 April).
The Curzon cinema has been open for just four weeks in the last year, leaving the future uncertain. The Curzon hopes to reopen on 17 May, but with Covid-19 social distancing and cleaning measures reducing audience capacity from 330 to just 90 people and the number of possible screenings to just two, there remains a very real risk to the charity as outgoings remain the same. The charity launched a fundraising campaign to “bring back the balcony” in March which has already raised £22,000.
Revamping this beautiful space, which has been hidden from view since 1972, will increase its socially distanced capacity by 30% putting the charity in a stronger position to survive and recover.
Karen Edgington, Fundraising Campaign Manager, said:
“Junior Poon Restaurant and Wine Bar is an institution in Clevedon – this is an incredibly generous offer from Junior and one which means people can support an exciting project that will transform our ability to recover from this crisis – at the same time as buying a gift for a loved one or treating themselves. We all need a treat right now!”
The work on the balcony will be completed within four to six weeks when £70,000 is raised. New platforms will be built for 25 luxurious armchairs, sofas and tables. Improvements include speakers, lighting and safety rails. The additional capacity will mitigate some of the losses that Covid-19 brings and help safeguard the future of the Curzon. This artist’s impression has been created by Tim Stephens, self-employed artist, illustrator and graphic designer. Check out his work here: https://www.clevedonrocks.com
Cinema has been proven to increase emotional wellbeing and social cohesion and, with the pandemic having a significant impact on mental health and loneliness, access to cultural and social activities in the community will play an important role. The additional space created in the balcony will also help those people who feel more concerned about returning, to feel more comfortable.
The Curzon is more than just a cinema – it is a central hub for the arts and entertainment in Clevedon and North Somerset. With the support of their loyal audience, local community and donors, the Curzon staff and volunteers feel hopeful they can “bring back the balcony” and that this important historical and cultural charity will come back stronger and survive for future generations.
Donations can be made online at http://www.curzon.org.uk/fundraising or by cheque payable to “Curzon Clevedon Community Centre for the Arts”, sent to 46 Old Church Road, Clevedon BS216NN