Xelabus has continued its work to make theatre trips more accessible and affordable to children in its operating region by forming a partnership with the Fareham Live venue.
That will see it provide discounted travel for schools, helping to remove cost barriers and make it easier for groups of young people to attend performances together. The approach will enable more schools to organise such visits, giving pupils greater access to live arts experiences, the operator says.
It will provide high-capacity buses of up to 85 seats for the trips, further reducing overall costs, adds Commercial Manager Phil Blair.
“We have recognised the opportunity for schools to take advantage of this partnership. Xelabus is able to provide up to 85-seat vehicles, giving high capacity for those wanting to avoid hiring two standard-size coaches, therefore saving schools even more.”
To mark the partnership, Mayor of Fareham Cllr Louise Clubley and Fareham Borough Council Executive Member for Leisure and Community Cllr Connie Huckley joined the case of West End hit Operation Mincemeat, a representative of Xelabus, and a nearly-new Alexander Dennis Enviro400 outside the venue.
Says Cllr Huckley: “I am delighted that we have been able to work with Xelabus to provide heavily discounted travel for all schoolchildren in the Fareham community to reach Fareham Live.
“Participation in the arts is a huge privilege, but one which all children should have the opportunity to experience. This discounted bus service will make Fareham Live even more accessible to our budding theatre lovers.”
Venue Director Sheena Hulme has also welcomed the arrangement. “We are delighted to be partnering with Xelabus on this important initiative,” she says. “Improving access to the arts for young people is a key priority for us.
“We are looking forward to working closely together and will be actively recommending Xelabus to local schools to help make theatre visits more accessible and achievable.”
