Ignite The Stage Showcase Raises Funds for the Mary Hare Foundation for the Third Consecutive Year

Now in its third year running, Ignite the Stage, the showcase for local performing arts talent, sold out the Arlington Arts Centre this year, raising four-thousand nine-hundred pounds (£4,900) for the Mary Hare Foundation.

The Foundation raises funds for the Mary Hare School, the largest school for deaf children and young people in the UK. The school provide the specialist support to enable deaf young people to achieve their full potential.

Nicola Moran, founder and director of the Ignite The Stage showcase, commented: ‘The work of the Mary Hare School is truly inspiring and at Ignite The Stage, we believe the magic of performing arts has the power to amplify the school’s message and raise vital funds for their mission at the same time. By attending, the audience are not only enjoying a night of entertainment but also supporting the mission to empower deaf young people.

Guest of honour, Mayor of Thatcham, Cllr. Mrs Petra Pemberton stated: ‘Children’s charities are very close to my heart, and this event is a very rewarding way to align entertainment and fundraising for a very important cause. It was a pure delight to see so much performing arts talent from across West Berkshire schools and clubs all in one place, and the three performances from Mary Hare School’s pupils were truly inspiring.’

Robin Askew, Principal at Mary Hare School added:

“I am delighted to be able to support Ignite the Stage through extending the use of Arlington Arts. I am hugely appreciative of the support the event brings to the Mary Hare Foundation but even more thrilled to see the enthusiasm and excitement of so many talented performers from across West Berkshire.”

Neil Farrow, Head of Performing Arts, Mary Hare School commented: 

“We are blessed at Mary Hare to have so many of our students taking Performing Arts subjects at GCSE and in Sixth Form and we are always on the lookout for opportunities to immerse our young artists in high quality events alongside their hearing peers. 

Ignite the Stage certainly hits all those high notes for us. Sharing the stage with such a variety and quality of talent at this celebration of the Performing Arts always gives our students a creative boost.”