TWO of Blackpool's entertainment giants have teamed up in an exciting new sponsorship deal, making shows more accessible to the public.

Blackpool Pleasure Beach has sponsored the High 5 scheme at the Grand Theatre to the tune of £24,000 over the next two years.

And because Pleasure Beach managing director Geoffrey Thompson is an established sponsor of the arts, the Government-run Association for Business Sponsorship of the Arts will boost the money by £3,000 this year and possibly the same next.

The High 5 scheme will make 100 gallery seats available for each performance at the Grand at just £5 for young people between the ages of 14 and 21.

Mr Thompson said: "The Pleasure Beach has been supporting the arts in Blackpool for 60 years and this is just one other way in which we can carry on doing so.

"I'm glad we have been able to get some more money out of the Government at the same time as they've been terrible with the arts for the past few years.

"The Grand has been here for more than 100 years and it's good to help an old friend as you might say." Stephanie Sirr, general manager of the Grand, added: "The High 5 scheme is something we've wanted to start for some time and thanks to Geoffrey and the Pleasure Beach team, we have the financial support to do so and look forward to a pleasurable partnership."

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