The Dukes in Lancaster was lit in yellow in tribute to former Young Company member Charlotte Edwards on what would have been her 17th birthday.
Lottie's family, youth theatre members and staff met for tea and cake with bursary recipients and a surprise musical tribute from More Music’s Rachel Parsons.
Since 2021, more than £8,000 has been raised through Lottie’s Fund to provide bursaries for the Dukes youth theatre.
Carl Woodward, the theatre's Head of Creative Communities, said, “tinged with many emotions, it was uniquely memorable to share this occasion with the Edwards family and mark this extraordinary fundraising milestone. Talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. We are thrilled that every donation to Lottie’s Fund creates opportunities for children that haven’t existed before and ensures we can welcome as many people as possible to the Dukes.”
Lottie's parents, Sarah and Philip Edwards, said, “thanks to the Dukes for making this wonderful tribute to our lovely Lottie. A huge, heartfelt thank you to everyone for continuing to support Lottie’s Fund to provide youth theatre bursaries for young people from Lancaster, Morecambe and beyond. It’s a wonderful legacy and means the world to us.”