Charity premiere of new Judi Dench film to be held in Christchurch

Dorset Blind Association will host the only charity premiere of Victoria and Abdul, directed by patron and BAFTA award winning film director Stephen Frears.

The exclusive black tie red carpet premiere, which is sponsored by Blue Sky Financial Planning, will take place on Monday, September 11 at The Regent Centre in Christchurch from 7pm.

Last year the charity held its first ever Dorset Film Premiere for the director’s film Florence Foster Jenkins which raised £10,000.

The award-winning director of Philomena and The Queen, supports Dorset Blind Association because his son and actor Sam Frears has a genetic disorder causing him to lose his sight. Although Sam lives in London, he regularly attends Dorset Blind Association events.

The film follows the true story of the unlikely friendship between Queen Victoria and a young Indian clerk Abdul Karim. As their friendship deepens, the queen begins to see a changing world through new eyes, joyfully reclaiming her humanity.

Dorset Blind Association works across Dorset to help people who suffer serious sight loss to still lead active and healthy lives and all funds raised on the night will help maintain the charity’s community services.

In addition, 50p from every ticket will go to the Regent Centre Development Fund, ensuring that the Regent has the very latest technical equipment to maintain its busy programme of shows, concerts and films. Funds are also used to maintain the interior decoration, fixtures and fittings at the centre to the highest standards.

Helena Sinclair, events fundraiser at Dorset Blind Association said: “We are overwhelmed to be given this wonderful opportunity once again by our patron, Stephen Frears and we are incredibly grateful to him for this. The impact of an event like for both awareness and fundraising is incredible.”

Tickets cost £20 per person and include a glass of fizz and popcorn. For information call 01202 499199.