LOWRY LAUNCHES ITS 15TH ANNUAL FESTIVE APPEAL TO RAISE FUNDS FOR ITS CREATIVE LEARNING PROGRAMMES THAT WORK TO TRANSFORM THE LIVES OF YOUNG PEOPLE IN SALFORD

As the Salford arts organisation marks the end of its landmark 25th anniversary year, Lowry is launching its Festive Appeal 2025, its annual campaign to raise essential funds for creative learning programmes that support children and young people across Salford and Greater Manchester.

Lowry’s creative programmes offer more than just activities; they provide safe, welcoming spaces where young people can connect, express themselves, and feel heard. These experiences build confidence, nurture wellbeing, and help young people feel seen, valued, and hopeful about their future.

The Festive Appeal raises vital funds to help support these programmes, and the young people who access them, many of whom face significant challenges; whether they’re out of school, in care, at risk of homelessness, caring for a family member, or growing up in poverty.

At the heart of the appeal is the remarkable team of Lowry’s VIPs; a dedicated group of volunteers. They are often the first friendly faces audiences meet at every performance. Throughout the year they help to guide visitors and check tickets and ensure audiences have an enjoyable experience.

During the festive season, their role becomes even more important with audiences attending shows such as The Red Shoes, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, Unfortunate, and The Enormous Crocodile having the chance to donate via bucket collections and tap-to-donate points, helping raise funds for the programmes that make a real difference.

Lowry Volunteer Avril Tomlinson says “I’ve been helping with the Festive Appeal since I started volunteering back in 2011 – 14 years now! I look forward to it every year because it’s such a different way to connect with the audience. People are always so generous with the bucket collection, and I’m genuinely overwhelmed by their kindness. It really shows how much the public supports what Lowry does.”

Lowry’s Director of Learning & Engagement, Jenny Riding says “Salford and Greater Manchester is full of incredible young people with talent and ambition, but many face real barriers. This appeal directly funds programmes that help break those barriers by creating safe spaces where creativity can flourish, and young people can discover their voice and reach their potential. Every donation to Lowry’s Festive Appeal means we can reach even more children and young people who need that support.”

Donations can be made via bucket collections, online, at the box office, in the Lowry Bar & Kitchen, and Lowry Restaurant, and via tap-to-donate points in the foyer. Every festive cocktail and mocktail sold will include a 50p donation, and guests can add £2 to their restaurant bill.

To find out more about this year’s appeal or to donate, visit thelowry.com/festive-appeal