A POPULAR theatre week that provides workshops for 300 people is under threat because a grant application has been delayed.

It costs £12,000 to put on the family theatre week and the activities are co-ordinated by the Maden Centre in Bacup.

Currently there is only £2,000 in the pot to cover the week’s expenses because two grant applications have been turned down as both were massively oversubscribed.

The remaining application - from the Big Lottery - has been deferred three times with no guarantee a decision will be made before the week is scheduled to happen in August.

Theatre week co-ordinator Sue Hopkinson said: “We have been running the week for the past 11 years.

"It has been increasingly difficult for us to find funding in recent years. We have been turned down for two grants and we are still waiting to hear if we have been successful for the Lottery grant. We should have heard in March but the date keeps getting delayed and now it is the 11th hour.

"We may get the funding in time, but it is a real gamble and the money probably wouldn't be processed in time."

The events are held at Fearns Community Sports College, Stacksteads and the number of families taking part has increased from 20 to 55.

“We have families from all over Rossendale coming to theatre week and several come back year on year.

"It really boosts self esteem and confidence and offers an activity all the family can take part in.

“Some have told us that because money is tight they are not going on holiday as a family and instead using the theatre week as their holiday. Others plan their holidays so they are free to attend.

“We engage up to 300 people each day and hold nearly 40 workshops across the week – from zumba to circus skills, from singing classes to props creation with a finale production at the end.

“We have grandparents, families and single parents attend. We provide a free crèche so parents can spend time with older children while their younger ones are cared for.

“The week is aimed at the whole family spending time together and everyone takes part in the workshop.”

Theatre week is well supported by volunteer young helpers from local high schools predominantly from Fearns but also from Alder Grange, Haslingden High and AccRoss College. Last year 26 young volunteers attended.

Sue said: “If this week cannot go ahead then there will be a lot of people across Rossendale disappointed.

“Families pay a nominal £20 for the week to ensure it is always accessible for everyone."

The week has previously been backed by Awards for All grants, Lancashire County Council’s Local Initiative Fund and last year’s event was funded by LCC’s Early Help and Prevention.

This year’s theatre week is planned for August 17-21.

If you wish to donate, or know any grants that may be available, please contact Sue on 01706 871740 or email susan.hopkinson@lancashire.gov.uk