Film / News
Clevedon restaurateur pledges £5K for Curzon balcony appeal
As we wait to find out which cinemas have survived Lockdown 3 (the Odeon in Broadmead and Cineworld in Hengrove didn’t even reopen after Lockdown 1), there’s good news for the region’s oldest picture palace. To revive a phrase, supporters can now eat out to help out Clevedon’s historic Curzon cinema.
Local restaurateur Junior Poon (pictured above) has pledged 100% from the sale of gift vouchers, up to a maximum of £5,000, to the #BringBackTheBalcony appeal. The vouchers will have a special extended life of two years and be valid for spend on takeaways, in the restaurant and wine bar (when restrictions are lifted) or when dining al fresco.
The view from the balcony a century ago
£22,000 has already been raised towards reopening the Curzon’s magnificent balcony 49 years after it was closed to the public. Once the £70,000 target is reached, new platforms will be built for 25 luxurious armchairs, sofas and tables. Improvements include speakers, lighting and safety rails.
“The Curzon is such a vital part of our community, a place that is loved by us all,” says Junior. “I’m delighted to support such a wonderful project to bring back the lost era of the unique balcony and help the Curzon come back stronger after one of the most difficult years in its history.”
Artist’s impression by Tim Stephens of Clevedon Rocks of what the new balcony will look like
The Curzon cinema hopes to reopen on May 17. But having been open for just four weeks in the last year, its future remains uncertain. Covid-19 social distancing and cleaning measures have reduced audience capacity from 330 to just 90 people and the number of possible screenings to only two a day. Opening the balcony will increase socially distanced capacity by 33% and help to safeguard the cinema’s future.
“Junior Poon Restaurant and Wine Bar is an institution in Clevedon,” says Curzon Fundraising Campaign Manager Karen Edgington. “This is an incredibly generous offer from Junior and one which means people can support an exciting project that will transform our ability to recover from this crisis – at the same time as buying a gift for a loved one or treating themselves. We all need a treat right now!”
You can also make a donation to the #BringBackTheBalcony appeal here.
Images supplied by the Curzon cinema
Read more: Curzon cinema reopens with spectacular restoration
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