Our #GivingTuesday prize winner, Gill Roberts invited 100 of her friends and family to join her for a private screening of a film of her choice here at Watershed. Gill's choice of film - the groundbreaking 1954 musical Carmen Jones.

On 2 December last year, Watershed took part in the national initiative #GivingTuesday, the global antidote to Black Friday and Cyber Monday.  A day used by people, charities and businesses to do something for a charitable cause close to their hearts. Watershed was no exception, we were incredibly grateful for the support we received, not just on the day but throughout December. Our donor numbers rose by 200%. Thank you! Visa Europe said more than £6,250 was donated every minute on Visa cards in the UK and the number of donations was up 35% on last year, when #GivingTuesday was held in the UK for the first time.

Gill was the lucky winner of our prize draw, launched on #GivingTuesday. Those who decided to give a gift of £5 or more during the month of December, to support Watershed as a charitable organisation, were given the opportunity to enter a prize draw to win a private screening of a film of their choice for them and their family and friends.

Gill said:

"I wanted to support Watershed because it's my local cinema and having somewhere like this is fantastic - it's so important to recognise and celebrate film. Watershed shows such a diverse programme, including new releases, classics, shorts, themed seasons, gems you might not catch anywhere else. Although there is so much we can access via streaming and online, I still love the experience of going to see something on the big screen.

"I also think centres like Watershed are key in making people aware of screen heritage, in nurturing young film talent for the future, and in widening access and reaching out to new communities and audiences.

"Thank you again for my special Carmen Jones screening - everyone really enjoyed it and most people were seeing it for the first time. It's a significant social document as well as a wonderful piece of art and it was a great experience to see it at Watershed. Thank you to the staff who made us feel so welcomed!"

Thanks to all of our loyal supporters, since the launch of our individual giving programme this time last year, we're now only £50.00 off reaching the brilliant total of £10,000.

If you’d like to take a look behind the scenes, meet our incredible staff and learn more about the work we do then become a donor and get involved.

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