A rallying call has been issued as one of the region’s most iconic buildings needs to make repairs to its roof. A Grand fundraiser was launched on the 17th January.

Bosses at the Grade II* listed Blackpool Grand Theatre have announced a Grand Fundraiser and that £125,000 is needed to help repair the decorative copper tiled roof and iconic pineapple.

Both the dome and pineapple suffered damage last year when Storm Doris came to the town’s shores. Slates were blown off the roof as were a number of leaves off the pineapple.

The dome has been part of the Grand since it first opened its doors. Constructed from an oak frame, it is covered by 980 copper fish scales and the pineapple, at the very top, is covered in 42 copper leaves. Funds raised will go to repair the dome but the theatre is also looking to raise more money to help fund further improvements in the theatre itself, to improve accessibility.

The campaign has already been given a major boost with a £12,500 donation by The Friends of the Grand, whilst Roger Lloyd-Jones, The Grand Theatre Trust Chairman also personally donated £1,250.

A Grand Fundraiser – Hundreds of pounds were also raised at the recent 125^thspecial anniversary event and CEO Ruth Eastwood, said: “We’ve had a tremendous start to reaching the £125,000 target with generous donations from both Roger and The Friends of the Grand.

“It’s a huge job and the work needs to be carried out by specialist craftsmen which is why it is so costly. There are various ways in which people can donate, every penny counts and is greatly appreciated.

“The repairs will go a long way to ensuring that the theatre is here to serve the community for many years to come.”

A whole host of mechanisms have been set up so people can donate to the Grand Fundraiser including:

• Online donations
• The purchase of limited edition 125 Rose Gold Lapel Badges
• The Big 125 Draw, a year long raffle where entrants can win up to £5,000
• The 125 Club, a club limited to 125 members where each member pays £12.50 and each month three winners are selected to each win £125
• Pay what you feel – the theatre will be offering shows throughout the year where guests can pay what they feel it’s worth, with proceeds going to the fundraising activity.

To make a donation, visit www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk/support-us/donation/