Supporting the Future of SpArC Theatre

Why We Are Fundraising

SpArC Theatre is much more than a performance venue. It is a vital community resource at the heart of Bishop’s Castle and South West Shropshire, providing opportunities for people of all ages to experience live theatre, music, cinema, exhibitions, classes, workshops and community events.

The theatre plays an important role in bringing people together, supporting wellbeing, reducing isolation, nurturing creativity and enriching cultural life across our area. It is used by many local school students, and provides valuable volunteering opportunities that are particularly important in helping young people develop work-related skills.

However, like many community facilities, the theatre’s future depends on the support of the people who use, value and benefit from it.

We are a small, dedicated local charity formed originally to prevent the closure of the leisure centre and to secure its future for the community. Thanks to the incredible generosity of local people, businesses and supporters, we have already raised more than £500,000 for SpArC. This has funded major improvements including the gym refurbishment and a contribution of £250,000 towards the new swimming pool.

Now we are launching our next major fundraising campaign to ensure the theatre continues to thrive for future generations.

Our campaign target is £120,000, to be raised in two phases. The first phase will focus on upgrading essential sound and lighting equipment. The second phase will deliver improved and more accessible seating.

What We Are Fundraising For

The current theatre infrastructure has served the community exceptionally well, but much of the equipment is now aging and increasingly difficult to maintain. Our vision is to modernise the theatre to improve accessibility, sustainability, flexibility and audience experience, ensuring it remains fit for the future.

 

Phase One: Sound and Lighting Upgrade

We want to replace outdated lighting equipment with a modern LED theatre lighting system. This will be more energy efficient, easier to operate and far more versatile. Preset lighting options will enable a wide variety of users – from drama groups and dance classes to yoga sessions and community events – to use the space easily and effectively. The improved system will also continue to support professional theatre productions and live music performances.

We also plan to install a new sound system. The current PA system requires replacement, and the new system will provide simple Bluetooth connectivity, making it easier for community groups and event organisers to use. It will also support emerging hearing-aid technology, improving accessibility for audience members with hearing loss.

Phase Two: Improved Accessible Seating

Our current raked seating system is still effective but must be assembled and dismantled manually for each event. This process requires specialist knowledge, significant volunteer effort and considerable physical lifting.

We want to install a retractable seating system that can be deployed quickly, safely and easily. This will make the venue more accessible to a wider range of users, reduce reliance on a small number of trained volunteers and allow the theatre to be configured more efficiently for different events.

 

How You Can Help

Every contribution, large or small, will help us reach our target and safeguard the future of the theatre.

1. DAVE LUCKHURST ‘SpArC to Snowdon Summit’ (S2SS)

My aim is to ride my mountain bike (MTB), unsupported, and off-road, from Bishop’s Castle’s Michaelmas Fair (luckily, I’ve been asked to lead the vintage vehicle procession) on the 5^th September, to Llanberis, about 190 km (120 m), over about 3 days, camping. I hope to arrive on Monday 7th. The following morning, weather permitting, I intend to set off from Llanberis at 02:30 on my MTB up the Llanberis Path bridleway, in the dark, to the summit, reaching the top before dawn, in time for a slot on BBC Radio Shropshire after 06:30. Off the mountain by 9am, to leave it for the walkers.

 S2SS: Total distance to be cycled 194km (120m) and 4,327m height gained (c14,170 ft). Nearly ½ the height of Everest!

My reasons for setting myself this challenge are twofold:

It’s now exactly 10 years since I did a similar fundraiser ride to Snowdon summit for the Save the SpArC campaign, when it was threatened with closure, and raised over £1600.

It’s also the 1st anniversary of the passing of my wife, Julie Luckhurst, The theatre is vital to Bishop’s Castle; a cultural and social hub, bringing local and world-class entertainment to us, without the travel and emissions and Julie would have wanted the success to continue. I would like to succeed in this challenge, in her memory.

I would like to raise at least £2000 to help in the major refurbishment. Bishop’s Castle is such a brilliant, creative, and supportive community. I love it!

If you are interested, my Facebook (david.luckhurst.71) and Instagram (sparctosnowdonsummit) pages will soon have lots of details of the route and preparation as well as a blog on my progress.
The route from Bishop’s Castle is: Kerry Ridgeway, Newtown, Mallwyd, Dolgellau, Trawsfynedd, Croesor, Bethania, Nant Gwynant, up to Pen y Gwryd, then down to Llanberis on Monday 7th.

Thank you for donating. Please spread the word, too, so I can make the £2000!

SPONSOR DAVE