Every single donation up to a total of £2500 will be doubled!

We are excited that the Octagon has been selected to take part in The Big Give, Arts For Impact campaign. 

This means that for 1 week only, from 17 - 24 March every donation made will be doubled by The Big Give, meaning your support will make DOUBLE THE DIFFERENCE!

Free to access Family Festival & Family Saturdays

We will throw open our doors for an entire weekend of exciting, engaging and magical free family activity over the summer holidays, as well as delivering free activity on Saturdays across the year. The aim of this is to reach children and young people who face barriers to taking part in the arts.
 

Situation

Bolton is the 34th most deprived local authority in the country. 32.2% of young people grow up in poverty. Many children across Bolton never get the chance to experience the magic of live theatre as they face barriers – one of which is financial. Participating in arts activity has evidenced health & wellbeing benefits. It can aid self-expression, communication, increase self-esteem & confidence & enhance skills. Young people missing out on engaging with the art are missing out on these benefits.

Solution

We will deliver free to access family events including ‘Family Saturdays’ across the year and a ‘Family Festival’ during summer holidays. Activity will include live performances, storytelling, arts and crafts, music workshops, puppetry, a disco and so much more. Our team work in community settings and schools all year round in some of the most disadvantaged areas of Bolton and will ensure that the children and young people most in need of accessing this free activity are aware of it.