Over 140 people attended a special screening of a hit movie on Monday night to raise more than £1,100 for this year’s Burnham-On-Sea Christmas lights display.
The Ritz Cinema in Victoria Street held a special performance of Les Miserables, starring Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe and Anne Hathaway, on behalf of Burnham Chamber of Trade.
The Chamber recently said that the costs of holding this year’s display have increased due to rising costs for repairs and replacements, insurance and installation.
Burnham’s Mayor Martin Cox was among the audience who filled both screens at the cinema to watch the film and give their support.
The Ritz’s owners, Pat and Beryl Scott, said they were happy to help. “We are both delighted that the screening raised a total of £1,106 for Burnham’s Christmas lights display – we had a great turnout of 143 people and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves,” Pat told Burnham-On-Sea.com.
“When we heard from the Chamber of Trade that there was a funding shortfall to put on this year’s Christmas lights display across the town centre we wanted to help.”
Chamber of Trade Chairman Mark Newman added: “It’s fantastic that such a big amount has been raised that fully meets our shortfall.”
“Our thanks go to all those who attended, Pat and Beryl for their work in organising the evening, the Ritz Social Club for a superb buffet, and the many local firms who contributed to the raffle. It all means that work can now get underway on planning another super lights display this Christmas.”
Staff at the cinema generously worked without pay for the evening to boost the amount raised, while The Ritz Social Club also laid on a complimentary buffet.
Raffle prizes were supplied by local traders, including The Ritz Cinema, The Ritz Social Club, David Bull Opticians, This And That, Material Needs, AOB, Avalon Insurance, GH Tyres, Stitch Up, GW Hurleys, Positive Wealth Creation, Abbott and Frost, Mister Fudge, Brooks and Son, Bessie’s Sweet Shop, Julia’s Bric A Brac, Central Radio, Lipstick, Rosemary’s Florists, BOS Interiors, Burnham Upholstery, Baytree Upholstery, Animal Fayre, Sea Breeze, Brit Chips, KDS Interiors, Gaye Holman and Buncombes Electricals.
Pictured: Top, Mayor Martin Cox with Pat and Beryl Scott, Chamber Chairman Mark Newman and Social Club Chairman Paul Hale; above the Mayor with Cllr Pauline Pollard and Pat Scott
