The Creative and Cultural award was a new category in the Winchester Business Excellence Awards and was sponsored by Winchester City Council. The award was accepted by Deryck Newland, Kirstie Mathieson and Andrew Loretto on behalf of Play to the Crowd from Cllr Lucille Thompson at the awards dinner held at Winchester College on 1 June.
Play to the Crowd is the arts & education charity that runs Theatre Royal Winchester, Hat Fair Outdoor Arts Festival & Playmakers – a year-round programme of community projects & creative learning opportunities.
Their entry to the category detailed how the company is constantly working to reduce its environmental footprint whilst contributing to the local economy.
Deryck Newland, Chief Executive of Play to the Crowd, comments “We are honoured to be the first recipient of the Creative and Cultural Award. Thanks to the judges for awarding this to us. Particular thanks to Winchester City Council for supporting this new award and for recognising and understanding that cultural activity and creativity are integral to a vibrant community as well as vital for the social and economic health of a city. This award is for every single member of the Play to the Crowd family – they are all incredible at what they do and each play a vital part in our mission to delight and unite.
Mark Byford, Chair of Play to the Crowd’s Trustees comments “The Creative and Cultural Award is a wonderful and fitting recognition of all the hard work and passion that the whole team generates and the great impact we make in the city and beyond.”
Kirstie Mathieson, Communications and Development Director comments “We are so thankful to the Winchester business community who have been so incredibly supportive to the charity over the last couple of years as we continue to recover from the pandemic. It feels very humbling to be recognised for our efforts in this way.”
From Left to Right: Andrew Loretto (Play to the Crowd), Cllr Martin Tod (Winchester City Council), Mark Byford (Play to the Crowd), Cllr Lucille Thompson (Winchester City Council), Deryck Newland (Play to the Crowd), Kirstie Mathieson (Play to the Crowd), Laura Taylor (Winchester City Council)
