February 8, 2019 12.52 pm This story is over 60 months old

Lincoln Drill Hall raises £7k in bid to save the venue

They need to raise £130,000 this year to prevent its closure

Lincoln Drill Hall has already managed to raise over £7,000 in the first week of its “Be a Brick” campaign.

The venue launched the campaign amid fears that it could be forced to close if it doesn’t raise at least £130,000 this year.

People have been asked to sponsor the 500,000 bricks that make up the historical venue.

Lincoln Drill Hall is asking for a donation of £10 or £50 every year in return for a colourful smiling brick.

Each brick will make up a virtual wall in the venue where people can leave a message explaining why they have chosen to donate.

Chris Kirkwood, chief executive of Lincoln Drill Hall, said: “It’s a great start, but we know we have a long way to go. We want to say a big thank you to everyone who’s chosen to donate.

“Not only is the money very welcomely received, we’re also very grateful for the lovely messages that people have left on their bricks.

“It’s put a real spring in our step and I’m now really hopeful for the rest of our fundraising campaign.”

The MP for Lincoln Karen Lee has also given the campaign her backing by purchasing a brick.

She said: “Very pleased to pop along to Lincoln Drill Hall this afternoon to buy a brick for just a tenner a year.

“So important that Lincoln keeps this wonderful place; art and culture should be for the many, not just the privileged few.”

The team at Lincoln Drill Hall are again letting the audience decided how much they want to pay, as the arts centre faces an “enormous fundraising challenge”.

They are bringing back the Pay What You Decide scheme, where you can book a ticket for free, watch the show and donate how much you thought it was worth at the end.

When we spoke to Chris last summer, here’s what he had to say about the venue and his future: