As Together for Cinema Celebrates £1 Million Worth of Installations in 2023 we look back at the charity’s latest installation and forward to its activities in 2024.
In the closing months of 2023, Together for Cinema (TFC) reached the remarkable sum of one million pounds worth of home cinema installations across 42 sites throughout the UK. Its latest installation at The Space Centre in Preston, Lancashire, is a testament to the collective efforts and unwavering support from the industry.
The Creative Space Centre supports for those with additional needs, claiming the title of the largest multi-sensory Centre in the UK. This unique facility has provided sensory support for over 30 years, employing cutting-edge technology to create personalised sensory experiences for its diverse clientele.
It welcomes 700 weekly visitors from diverse backgrounds including special schools, day centres, nursing homes, and support groups that face a spectrum of challenges, including autism, developmental delay, cerebral palsy, learning disability, and more. It’s a haven for those dealing with stress, anxiety, and emotional difficulties, their families, carers, therapists, and teachers, offering a safe and supportive environment.
Performed by Majik House, the installation started on November 15, 2023, culminating in the final sign-off on November 27. The official opening on December 4 marked the completion of a transformative project, turning a large, cold room into an inviting and immersive cinema space. Suspended ceilings, 12 sq m of Starscape ceiling panels, Orluna lighting and all the AV required make a truly immersive and impressive cinematic experience.
“The power of collaboration and the generous spirit of the AV industry is nothing short of astounding,” says Ian Morrish, TFC founder. “The journey towards this milestone was not a solitary one; it was a joint effort with charitable partners, installation teams, technology partners, and operational partners all playing a vital part.”
TFC’s success lies in the steadfast support from its Charitable Partners. Their commitment enables the organisation to forge ahead in its mission of designing and installing home cinema rooms in children's hospices and other deserving locations across the UK. The impact of this support ripples through the lives of countless individuals – from the ailing children and disabled young adults to their families and caregivers.
The backbone of the installations themselves is the collaboration with TFC’s Installation Partners, whose dedication goes beyond professional duty. “These skilled teams generously contribute their time and expertise,” Morrish continues. “The importance of a first-class installer cannot be overstated, and TFC has been fortunate to work with teams that exceed expectations.”
Looking ahead, the plans for 2024 are exciting with six or seven venues, that includes Birmingham Children’s Trust, Children's Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS), Ellenor Hospice for Children and Adults in Gravesend, Once Upon A Smile in Manchester, Ronald McDonald House Charity in Birmingham, Team Jak Foundation in Scotland, and Yorkshire Children’s Centre in Huddersfield, set to benefit from these transformative cinema room installations.
The list will undoubtedly grow. “We’re always looking to identify deserving new venues that could benefit from a cinema room,” Morrish notes. “If you know of anywhere that could benefit from our offering, please do let me know.”
As we reflect on the journey that led to this momentous million-pound milestone, it is clear that TFC’s impact extends far beyond the numerical value attached to the installations. It is a testament to the strength of unity, compassion, and the unwavering belief that, together, we can make a difference to the lives of those facing adversity. The vision for the future is one of continuous growth, outreach, and the pursuit of spaces where the magic of cinema can touch hearts and transform lives.
“I can’t overstate the fact that we’ve only reached the extraordinary milestone because of the remarkable collaborative effort from our industry,” Ian adds. “It has united in a way I could never have imagined when I started the TFC journey back in 2009, and has made an incredible impact. Our success reflects the commitment of everyone involved, transcending brand affiliations and egos, and simply focussing on the shared goal of enhancing the lives of families undergoing tough times.”
The £1 Million Celebration Dinner, scheduled for Thursday, May 16, at Epsom Racecourse, will see 300 partnering members from the AV industry, recipients from various venues, and a special guest commemorate this significant milestone. With tickets nearly sold out, it promises to be a joyous occasion filled with reflection and appreciation.
For those unable to attend, there are still opportunities to contribute via TFC’s Event Support Packages that offer various options for individuals or companies interested in contributing to the TFC cause, or by contributing 'Money Can't Buy' auction prizes that could cover anything from sporting events, gastronomy, and music. The funds generated from these packages will further fuel the mission of creating cinema rooms for those in need.
TFC would love to hear from any installation partners that would like to get involved in one of its projects, want to become a charitable partner, or would like further information about the £1 Million Celebration Dinner. For details, please get in contact with Ian Morrish, ian@ad-con.uk.