The Lowry in Salford and Octagon in Bolton have launched annual festive appeals to raise money for their work with young people.
Last year’s Lowry appeal raised over £50,000, which helped fund the organisation's programme of creative engagement work with children and young people across Salford.
In Bolton, the Octagon's similar appeal – with a more modest £10,000 target – will support the theatre's family programme and will fund various projects, including free to access to the annual Family Festival and other family events across the year.
The Lowry's appeal runs until January, with money to be raised in several ways; from collections at performances, online donations when purchasing tickets, a staff raffle, contributions at the theatre restaurant and bar, and contactless pay points around the venue.
The Salford appeal is supported by Dame Judi Dench, who has recorded a voice message that will be played in the theatre during the campaign.
Director of learning and engagement, Jenny Riding, said: “This year’s appeal will again help fund our life-changing programme of creative work with young people, some of whom are living with some of the most complex and challenging circumstances. Every donation really will make a difference to the lives of children and young people across Salford."
The Octagon’s engagement programme provides support and opportunities to local communities. Donations from the appeal will help the venue to invest in local young people of all ages and backgrounds to take part in the arts and creative activities over the next 12 months.
The Octagon's head of creative engagement, Imogen Woolrich, said: “We believe every young person in Bolton should have the chance to experience the joy and possibilities being creative can spark, but an increasing number don’t get the chance.
“Our appeal will help to share the magic with more people in 2024. We have an ambitious target of £10,000 which we hope to raise by the end of January, so all donations will be greatly appreciated and really will go towards making a massive difference to the lives of local young people and their families."