ARLINGTON Arts Centre will play host to a special show with a famous as part of the efforts to save READ College.
Following the college’s announcement at the end of November that it faced imminent closure due to funding issues, communities have rallied support for the organisation.
Now Tony Christie has joined them in their efforts to save the college, as he will be performing a special, one-off show to raise funds for the cause.
With a career spanning more than 60 years, Christie has enjoyed particular fame with his version of (Is This the Way to) Amarillo.
READ college said back in November that the “relentless cost of living crisis, our continuous recovery from COVID-19, and the loss of our ability to host international students” meant that its future was now “uncertain.”
“If we can’t raise sufficient funds by December 12, we will be left with no choice but to close our doors at the end of this term.”
So far, the college has managed to avoid closing, but is still in a difficult financial position.
Clara Vaughan, artistic director, said in November that the situation: “was a surprise for everybody, the severity of the problem.
“There was an awareness that there would be some unexpected costs in the next financial year, but I think the way that it affected this year was a surprise.
“It’s the effect of increased costs of running any kind of programme generally, and it really came to light in late October – the severity of the problem seemed to snowball from there.”
Ms Vaughan also said that the ongoing financial stability of the college must be considered.
“We need to focus our attention on the stability of the college, so that people have confidence in its sustainability.”
Tickets and information about the event are available via: arlingtonarts.ticketsolve.com
