The Grand Opera House today launched a ‘Buy a Brick’ initiative in the quest to raise funds for its new development.

The scheme, which is being supported by the Belfast Telegraph, gives businesses and individuals the opportunity to purchase a glass plaque engraved with their name, logo or a message of their choice.

The plaque will then be mounted onto a permanent glass wall which will span three floors of the theatre’s new foyer and will be visible to over 300,000 patrons a year.

Commenting on the scheme, Theatre Director, John Botteley said: “The Grand Opera House is planning major development work to improve Front of House, backstage and catering and bar facilities to commence in Summer 2005.

"These new facilities will not only improve the theatre-going experience but will also make us more accessible and will set the scene for the next 100 years.

"This fundraising scheme is a huge step towards providing much-needed improvements to the Grand Opera House creating a beautiful work-of-art along the way.”

Bricks can be bought for a minimum of £1,000, though larger bricks are available for those who wish to contribute more.

(MB)