Eight out of ten York cinema staff prefer whiskers

Those charity minded folk at City Screen like to take a challenge on the chin. Looking for a new way to support their chosen charity they decided to grow “Burns For Burns”.

Last Saturday, January 25, was Burns Night, celebrating the Scotland’s best-loved bard, Rabbie Burns. City Screen marked the occasion with a charity cabaret, featuring music, comedy, poetry, theatre and burlesque.

Performers including David Ward Maclean, Chris Bush, Henry Raby, Six Lips Theatre and Kitty Noir.

They gave their services for free so all proceeds from the night could go to Plan International UK.

Plan has been Picturehouse’s designated charity since 2008 and, last year, City Screen raised more than £2,000 to fund clean water and sanitation projects across Africa.

Preparing for the night, some of City Screen’s follicly gifted staff members have also spent this month growing their sideburns for Burns.

Taking inspiration from the poet’s impressive mutton chops, Dave Taylor, Andy Riggall and Tim Rathbone offered up their cheeks (and their dignity) to raise extra funds for Plan.

You can still check on their progress and support them here or by texting BURN52 followed by the amount you want to give (£1, £5, £10) to 70070.