Side by Side Ride raises money for Friends of Oldham Theatre Workshop

Date published: 06 June 2023


A local youth theatre leader has pledged his support for the famous youth theatre company that helped launch the careers of stars of stage and screen, as he undertook an ambitious charity bike ride. 

The Side By Side Ride saw Oldham Theatre Workshop’s Creative Producer Craig Harris ride 600 miles as the crow flies – the equivalent of Land’s End to John O’Groats – on an exercise bike, accompanied by various friends along the way.

Craig and his surprise supporters took on the challenge - one of the toughest the UK has to offer in terms of distance - to raise money for the fundraising arm of the company, the Friends of Oldham Theatre Workshop.

Craig said: “I’m absolutely over the moon to participate in one of the first big fundraising events we’ve done with the Friends company to raise money for what is a fantastic cause.

“The Friends are key to helping us drive new opportunities for young people in Oldham, providing practical support, awareness and fundraising to enable the future development of our long established and well-loved theatre group, and I’m really grateful to everyone who has come out to support, donate, shake buckets - and obviously put a shift in on the bike too!”

Becoming a Friend of Oldham Theatre Workshop costs just £2 a month helping fund additional activities and equipment for the youth theatre group, as well as ensuring young people whose families may be challenged during the cost of living crisis are not excluded from accessing the opportunities on offer.

Access to previews, special events and ticket launches are some of the benefits of being a Friend, as is receiving updates and information about everything Oldham Theatre Workshop.

Craig’s JustGiving details are available here to donate to his amazing challenge.


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