Live music fans are being offered the chance to have a say in safeguarding the future of a popular Darlington venue.

The Forum Music Studios needs to raise £50,000 to unlock more than £400,000 of Arts Council funding to make major renovations and improvements to the venue's building in Borough Road.

Members of the community will be invited to purchase shares, which will give them voting rights in the future running of the studios. 

A seven-day countdown to the launch of the share offer starts today (Friday, Sept 13)with a raffle of music-related items. Tickets are £5 each and every penny raised will go towards the fundraising efforts.

The initial idea for the raffle came from author Pete Bulloch, who offered up a signed copy of his book about one of the most famous dates in Darlington’s music history.

Writing as James Vasey, his book titled 'Hope the Dude Can Play', is the story of what happened the night Jimi Hendrix's guitar was stolen in Darlington.

Allison McKay and Peter Bulloch with the Jimi Hendrix lots to be raffled to raise money for the Forum Music Studios in DarlingtonAllison McKay and Peter Bulloch with the Jimi Hendrix lots to be raffled to raise money for the Forum Music Studios in Darlington (Image: MATTHEW ELAND)

Mr Bulloch linked up with Darlington artist Terry Kneeshaw to add a signed, framed picture of Hendrix to the lot.

Mr Kneeshaw has also offered up his painting of Amy Winehouse, framed together with a ticket from the World Premiere of the 'Back to Black' biopic. His painting of a series of Darlington FC football shirts and a collection of merchandise relating to former Dire Straits frontman Mark Knopfler are also raffle prizes.

Mr Bulloch said: "I'm a music fan, particularly live music, and I support the Forum. I thought this share offer deserves support and it's a significant amount to raise."

Allison McKay, chief executive of the Forum, said she hopes the raffle will give people who don't want to get involved in the share offer the chance to contribute to the fundraising efforts.

Allison McKay, chief executive of The Forum Music Studios in Darlington, hopes people will buy raffle tickets to help secure the future of live music in the townAllison McKay, chief executive of The Forum Music Studios in Darlington, hopes people will buy raffle tickets to help secure the future of live music in the town (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

The share offer itself will be launched on Friday, September 20. The raffle winners will also be announced that day, and that night the Forum will also be hosting a DJ set from BBC radio's Huey Morgan, formerly of Fun Lovin Criminals.

Shares will be available for a minimum of £25, but people will be invited to donate as much as they feel comfortable with up to a maximum of £2,500.

People will only be allowed to buy one share and each share will entitle the purchaser to one vote on issues.

Mrs McKay said: "We are a not-for-profit enterprise and community facility, so we need to raise money to sort the building out for the future. Our aim is to secure the investment to complete our proposed building works.

"But secondly, If we can get 200 to 300 people in the community all with a vote, it protects the Forum. We want to make sure the Forum stays here for future generations."

Tickets for the raffle and for the Huey Morgan DJ set can be purchased on the Forum's website, or by visiting the venue on Borough Road.

The Forum, on Borough Road, Darlington, needs to raise £50,000 to unlcok nearly £400,000 of Arts Council fundingThe Forum, on Borough Road, Darlington, needs to raise £50,000 to unlock nearly £400,000 of Arts Council funding (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

Details of the share offer will be posted on the website from Friday, September 20, together with the business plan, financial information, and legal terms and conditions. Shares will be available to purchase until October 31.

For more details, visit theforumonline.co.uk