Screening of Les Misérables to boost Burnham’s Christmas lights funding

The Ritz Cinema spread some early Christmas cheer on Monday night by holding a special screening of 2013’s hit musical movie Les Misérables to help raise funds for Burnham-On-Sea’s upcoming Christmas lights display.

Guests were treated to a complimentary buffet courtesy of The Ritz Social Club and were served by cinema staff who had generously worked without pay for the evening. Local traders, as well as The Ritz Cinema and Social Club itself, contributed prizes to a raffle that further helped to boost the amount raised.

The Ritz’s Pat Scott explained before the event: “When we heard from the Chamber of Trade that there’s a shortfall in the funding to put on this year’s Christmas lights display across the town centre we wanted to help and hope that a good sum is raised.”

The evening, which was held on behalf of Burnham Chamber of Trade, attracted over 140 attendees and raised £1100 to help cover the rising costs of the annual display. Burnham’s Mayor Martin Cox was amongst the audience which filled both of the cinema’s screens showing the acclaimed Les Misérables.

The stage adapted film starring Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway and Amanda Seyfried sung its way to the top of the UK box office taking over £40m earlier this year, earning itself three Academy Awards, three Golden Globes and four BAFTAs.

Chamber of Trade Chairman Mark Newman said of the event: “It’s fantastic that such a big amount has been raised that fully meets our shortfall. It all means that work can now get underway on planning another super lights display this Christmas.”

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