ISSUE DATE: 28th September 2022
Peaky Blinders’ creator Steven Knight and poet, actor, and musician, Benjamin Zephaniah stepped onstage in Birmingham this week (Monday 26th September) for a one-off charity event.
‘In Conversation’ – an event organised by Acorns Children’s Hospice – saw the two Brummie legends and creative collaborators reunited in front of an intimate audience of Acorns supporters at Birmingham Symphony Hall.
The VIPs delighted and entertained in a wide-ranging discussion, exploring a number of subjects; from Birmingham and Peaky Blinders to the legacy of the Commonwealth Games.
Steven Knight also spoke of his collaboration with the world-renowned Rambert dance company on Peaky Blinders: the Redemption of Thomas Shelby, a show which premiered at the Birmingham Hippodrome this week.
Commenting on his involvement in the event, Steven Knight, a longstanding friend and supporter of Acorns, said: “It was wonderful to join my friend and Acorns Patron Benjamin at this very special event. Benjamin and I have many common interests and passions and it was a great pleasure sharing them with our audience.
“One of those passions is Acorns – a charity close to both our hearts – so it was fantastic to talk about the charity and what it means to us. I’m delighted to be joining Benjamin as a Patron of Acorns and continuing my close involvement with this great cause.”
The event was facilitated by Midlands-based BBC journalist and presenter Nicola Beckford who joined the two guests on stage for the conversation, before opening-up the floor to questions from the audience.
Noel Cramer, Acorns Director of Supporter Engagement, said: “We are so grateful to these two titans of modern culture for taking the time to share their wonderful stories and insights at this unique event.
“As a charity, we rely on the goodwill and support of our local community, so the ongoing support of Steven and Benjamin, and their work helping to raise awareness of our cause, cannot be underestimated.
“It was a great privilege to hear directly from these two creative collaborators and a real treat for the valued friends and supporters of Acorns in the audience – without whom we simply wouldn’t be able to provide the vital care we do to local children and their families.”
Acorns provides specialist care and support to over 700 children and their families across the West Midlands and Gloucestershire, every year.
The charity relies on fundraising and the generosity of local people, businesses and organisations to continue.
To find out more about Acorns, please visit www.acorns.org.uk
ENDS
For more information or for interview, photograph or filming opportunities, contact the PR and Communications team:
David Chamberlain: 01564 825020 / 07817 612422 / david.chamberlain@acorns.org.uk
Nicki Robinson: 01564 825062 / 07814 302153 / nicki.robinson@acorns.org.uk
Notes to editors:
Due to the sensitive nature of Acorns care services it refrains from using the words ‘terminal’ or ‘terminally ill’ in its press releases and public communications when describing the children who use Acorns and the conditions that they have. Instead, Acorns uses the words ‘life limited’, ‘life limiting’, or ‘life threatening’. Acorns kindly requests that you respect this in your communications when referring to Acorns Children’s Hospice. Acorns children have a lot of living to do. Thank you.
- It costs £27,000 every day to run Acorns services providing care for children and support for their families. The charity relies heavily on donations to fund the majority of its activities.
- To find out more about Acorns, please visit www.acorns.org.uk
