On 26 March, The Lowry arts and theatre centre held its very first fashion fundraising event, A Fashionable Evening. As Chairman of The Lowry, and a dedicated supporter of the arts, Sir Rod Aldridge hosted a VIP table with his wife, Lady Carol, who was a member of the organising committee.

The event was designed to raise funds for The Lowry Centre Trust, the charity that supports The Lowry’s innovative Theatres and Galleries programme and life-changing Learning and Engagement work in the wider community. Such work includes dedicated projects with young carers, young parents and young people in care, and aims to improve the participants’ confidence, health and general wellbeing through engagement with the arts.

The evening was hosted by television presenter Melissa Porter, and held in partnership with Harvey Nichols Manchester, Boss Model Management and Ponte Wines. The highlight was the exclusive fashion show held in The Lowry’s Compass Room, overlooking MediaCityUK. (Also home to the exciting and innovative MediaCity University Technical College, part of the Aldridge Foundation family of academies, due to open in September 2015.)

Proceeds from the night resulted in over £10,000 for The Lowry Centre Trust; a remarkable achievement that will help The Lowry continue to develop local communities and create life opportunities for young people; an approach that is central to the Aldridge family values.

Sir Rod and Lady Carol’s support has in the past helped to develop and deliver The Lowry’s ‘Inspired to Aspire’ work and skills programme and Youth Dance Programme; and, in recognition of a private donation they made in 2014 to support The Lowry’s learning and engagement programme, the Studio where many of the arts centre’s community activities take place was renamed the Aldridge Studio.