Community arts centre in Kent in danger of closure

The community centre behind Maidstone’s first Pride festival is in danger of closing.

Kent Online reports that Harmony, which was established 25 years ago, must raise £10,000 before Christmas or it will shut.

The organisation works with around 80 people a month through dance classes, music-producing sessions and “jam nights” for bands too young to perform in pubs.

Centre manager Zoe Sparkle said: “We faced closure back in 2019 and only just survived with the support of government grants, but this time the money has proven much harder to come by.

“We’ve done the best we can for the past three years with volunteers, equipment donations and small local authority grants, but without some serious funding, we will no longer be able to continue.”

The centre has launched a crowdfunding campaign.