Colchester2020 shows its support for Roman Circus campaign

08/01/2010
Colchester2020 shows its support for Roman Circus campaign

Colchester2020 – a group which brings together high-profile community leaders from the borough’s public, private, voluntary and community organisations - has donated £5,000 to the Save Colchester’s Roman Circus appeal.

Dee Evans, Chief Executive of the Mercury Theatre and Colchester2020's Lead Partner for Heritage, Culture and Leisure, believes a successful outcome for the Appeal will be a great benefit to the town: ''Colchester's rich heritage is one of the things that make our town so special. This is the only Roman Circus to have been discovered in Britain, and it is fantastic to see that the people of Colchester are joining together to help save this important piece of history for future generations to enjoy.

''One of Colchester2020's aims is to help make Colchester an outstanding visitor destination, celebrating its heritage, culture and leisure activities. The Roman Circus is a significant historical discovery, not only on a local level but nationally and internationally, too. We could see no better way to contribute to achieving our heritage goals in the short term than by supporting the appeal to ensure people from across the globe get the chance to enjoy this local treasure for years to come.

''With only a matter of days left until the appeal's total must be raised, Colchester2020 is urging businesses, organisations and individuals to provide any support they can to help save Colchester's Roman Circus.''

Bill Hayton, Co-ordinator of the Appeal, welcomed the donation saying: ''It’s fantastic that Colchester2020 has come out in support of our appeal, as it gives another powerful sign that the Colchester community and the town’s leaders are right behind our efforts to celebrate Colchester’s heritage. The Partnership's kind donation will further boost our total which now stands at almost £80,000. We think that this celebration of Colchester's past is an investment in its future. When the rest of the country realises what a rich heritage this town can offer, visitor numbers will surely rise and local businesses will benefit.''

The appeal has been set up to raise in excess of £200,000 to secure the site of the starting gates of the only known Roman Circus in Britain. If the appeal is successful, Colchester Archaeological Trust will buy the old garrison Sergeants' Mess and its gardens where the eight Roman Circus starting gates lie. Working with Colchester Borough Council the area will then become a focus for Colchester's heritage and something the whole town can be proud of.

For more information about the appeal visit www.romancircus.org