Back The Baths

Victoria Baths in Manchester has launched a Crowdunder campaign to seek support, as it struggles to cope with the impact of Covid-19. The Edwardian building is run by a charitable trust and relies upon the money raised from events and visitors to stay open.

The building cannot operate a visitor programme during the colder months, so spring 2020 saw the launch of a full season of events, partners’ events and guided building tours; including a brand new Behind the Screens tour. Sadly at the moment all events and tours have had to be cancelled until the end of May. Further decisions will be made about the rest of the programme in the weeks and months ahead.

Jill Earnshaw, Chair of the Victoria Baths Trust, says, “The timing of this unprecedented situation could not be worse for Victoria Baths. Between spring and autumn is when the building is alive with events, activities and tours. Like so many small heritage organisations, our existence relies upon the building being actively used by people for events and activities.

“We know that the impact of Covid-19 has affected the lives of everyone and made this immensely difficult for so many organisations and individuals, in lots of different ways. Our appeal is to ask our supporters, if they are able, to donate what they might have spent in visiting Victoria Baths or enjoying one of our events.

“All funds raised will sustain the organisation’s skeleton operation until we’re able to open again for events and tours. We’ve taken every opportunity to reduce costs and secure alternative income before asking for donations. Any support that people can give will make a considerable difference.”

Victoria Baths’ Crowdfunder, Back the Baths, is running until 1 May 2020. For those making a donation there are rewards available, including guided building tours (when the building re-opens), postcards of the building to send to friends, a colouring card (of its famous Angel of Purity stained glass window) and pencils set and annual membership of the Friends of Victoria Baths.

You can find out how to back Victoria Baths Crowdfunder here: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/backthebaths

For further information on Victoria Baths visit www.victoriabaths.org.uk