Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus supports campaign to restore the historic Brighton Unitarian Church (BUC).
BUC is the spiritual home for the weekly rehearsals of Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus. The well-loved building is situated in the heart of the city and the Chorus are delighted to add the BUC to their fundraising efforts this season.
BUC is a unique part of Brighton’s heritage and the Grade 2 listed building was completed 200 years ago on land bought from the Prince Regent.
The architect Amon Henry Wilds designed much of Regency Brighton. Their columns and steps are a well-known Brighton landmark. However, in the middle of the work to repair them, a massive amount of additional deterioration and erosion has been discovered. BUC needs to raise an additional £71,000 to make the triangular pediment safe and secure.
Brighton Unitarian treasurer Phillida Simpson said: “Thanks to generous financial contributions from charities and individual supporters, work is well under way on rebuilding one of the city centre’s finest landmarks.
“However, we simply do not have the money to address the serious restoration problems. We are thrilled that our friends at Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus are lending their support by raising funds and awareness to this essential restoration to our beloved building.”
Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus PR Coordinator, Silvio Grasso, added: “For over ten years every Tuesday evening The Brighton Unitarian Church has been our home and provided vital rehearsal space for our members. Their ethos of inclusivity, one of the first churches to offer same-sex weddings, and their openness to performing arts from all communities in Brighton & Hove resonate with the Chorus raison de vivre. Our Christmas show is the biggest fundraiser in our calendar and we are delighted to lend our hand to help bring back the building to its former glory for future generations.”
The Chorus’ winter show Pull A Cracker – Christmas Comes Early with Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus will return at the Dome Concert Hall on December 8 and will raise funds for The Brighton Unitarian’s Building Appeal Fund and The Sussex Beacon.