Christ in the Centre faces funding crisis

Trusted article source icon
Saturday, March 02, 2013
Profile image for Leicester Mercury

Leicester Mercury

An urgent appeal has been made for donations to meet a shortfall in funding for a re-enactment of Christ's crucifixion.

Organisers of the Christ in the Centre play are about £8,500 short of the £43,000 total they need for the event on Good Friday.

  1. big attraction:   The re-enactment in Humberstone Gate of Christ's crucifixion  draws thousands to the city centre

    big attraction: The re-enactment in Humberstone Gate of Christ's crucifixion draws thousands to the city centre

The event, which is in its 11th year, attracts about 10,000 people, who watch the story of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus in Humberstone Gate, Leicester.

Event trustee Jonathan Wheeler has urged people to help them reach their target.

Business Cards From Only £10.95 Delivered www.myprint-247.co.uk

myprint-247

View details

Print voucher

Our heavyweight cards have FREE UV silk coating, FREE next day delivery & VAT included. Choose from 1000's of pre-designed templates or upload your own artwork. Orders dispatched within 24hrs.

Terms: Visit our site for more products: Business Cards, Compliment Slips, Letterheads, Leaflets, Postcards, Posters & much more. All items are free next day delivery. www.myprint-247.co.uk

Contact: 01858 468192

Valid until: Sunday, May 26 2013

He said: "If you have enjoyed the event, if it has made a difference to your life, then we would encourage you to make a donation.

"We cannot run this on fresh air and goodwill.

"If we don't reach the total we need this year, the event will still go ahead.

"But what will probably happen is that we will go into the next year without any reserves and that might mean scaling it back considerably.

"We would have to have a very deep think about whether the current event remains financially viable."

Increased staging and security costs and the addition of a second performance have pushed up prices by about £3,000 since last year.

The Rev Stephen Foster, joint chair of the event's organising committee, said the extra performance was added due to public demand.

The event receives a £10,000 grant from the Diocese of Leicester and £2,000 from Leicester City Council, with the rest of the costs met by donations from churches, individuals and charities. Mr Foster said: "We have some wonderfully loyal supporters who have donated to the cause over the years.

"But several of them have indicated that they cannot be as generous this year as they have in the past, which is understandable."

Christ in the Centre will be staged in Humberstone Gate on Good Friday, March 29, at 11am and 2pm.

Donations can be made to Jonathan Cryer, CitC treasurer, 4 Honeybourne Close, Oadby, Leicester LE2 5JP. Cheques should be made out to 'Christ in the Centre'.

4
Tweet this article
Report

4 Comments

  • Profile image for lance13

    by lance13

    Monday, March 04 2013, 5:50PM

    “Why do"s one of the richest organizastions in England keep putting out the plastic bucket?.

    When an exibition takes place at the N E C, the organizers invite people to buy a ticket!
    people then decide if they want to partake or not.
    Try selling tickets in advance and be prepared to put on a show with what you recieve.

    Again, as I have said before;

    Ask the head of the Church of England for a few bob, ask the C.O.E to sell a few paintings that are kept in vaults that even members of its own community cannot see.”

  • Profile image for cjt72

    by cjt72

    Saturday, March 02 2013, 5:33PM

    “Why should the council donate any money to any religious festival. Organisers can raise funds from their fellow followers.”

  • Profile image for democrat

    by democrat

    Saturday, March 02 2013, 1:30PM

    “£2000 from the Council yet £80000 for Diwali and none for Humberstone Park Fireworks

    Yep - it's all about difficult choices”

  • Profile image for Graham_LE8

    by Graham_LE8

    Saturday, March 02 2013, 12:44PM

    “This report cannot be correct, can it? - I was under the impression that Leicester was the city of festivals...”

        Your comments awaiting moderation

        Add your comments

        max 4000 characters
         
         
         
         
         

        Related articles

         

        Tell us about your area

        Got some interesting news? Write about it and let your whole community know.

          Write an article