The funding will be used to ensure MACs school holiday courses, cinema screenings and events for families remain cost effective and in some cases free. Last year, MACs programme included free creative activities for disabled children and their families as part of Disabled Access Week. In addition, during the summer holidays a season of pocket money shows, which included sell out outdoor circus performances from Circus Raj, music and theatre were offered at £3.50 per ticket.

Deborah Kermode said: “The support from People’s Postcode Lottery players continues to amaze us! Their funding offers a gateway into the arts for our families who may not otherwise attend creative activities. This year we are planning to increase our offer, with more events in our outdoor arena and during school holidays. On behalf of my colleagues at MAC and our board, I’d like to say a huge thank-you to the players!”

The Peoples Postcode Lottery gala was a celebration of the phenomenal achievements of charities working across Great Britain and internationally that are supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery. The lottery also took the opportunity to announce an increase to 32% of each ticket sale going directly to good causes. The news of the funding total and increase was shared at the annual event, on Tuesday 23 January, at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh.