GAME of Thrones heartthrob Kit Harington has thrown his weight behind the campaign to save Trowbridge Town Hall.

Kit, whose career has skyrocketed since he landed the role of Jon Snow in Game of Thrones, when at 19 he expected to spend years playing stages the size of the Town Hall’s.

He said: “Small-scale out-of-London venues like Town Hall Arts are becoming a more and more precious commodities, for the communities they serve and also for the many actors, musicians and artists they provide paid work for.

“They are a vital part of the arts ecology and it’s only with these sorts of venues that actors like myself have a chance of building a career in the arts.”

Time is running out for the charity which runs it to raise the funds to secure its future.

With only two weeks to go until the board of trustees announces its decision, despite generous personal pledges on its LocalGiving site, offers of in-kind help from local firms and a major fundraiser planned for next Sunday by the town’s Chamber, the only hard cash pledged is £10,000 from an arts charity towards the vital £35,000 needed.

As top BBC drama Poldark returned on Sunday, Luke Norris, who plays Dr Dwight Enys in the saga and is also a playwright, added his voice to the argument. 

He said: “It’s hugely important that everyone, wherever they live, whatever their age or background, have access to the arts. Centres like Town Hall Arts in Trowbridge are vital for these communities.

“I hope they get the support they need to ensure they can keep doing the brilliant work they do.”

"This really shows how important the Town Hall and its arts are to Trowbridge,” said Times editor Pete Gavan.

“We know local people appreciate the hall, and the stars recognise its qualities too. Businesses in Trowbridge have come forward to offer support with their Trowbridge 130 fundraiser, and the Times will have walkers joining them on June 24.

“The backing is growing all the time and I hope enough cash can be found to keep the doors open.”

On Tuesday Wiltshire-born author Alan Snow, whose Here Be Monsters spawned the Ratbridge Chronicle series and animated film The Boxtrolls, visited the Hall, where the trolls ‘live’ in the old cells, and pledged his backing for the campaign.

Tentative plans are now being made for him to hold an exhibition, book signing and film screening there this autumn.

Lizzie Stables, who shot to fame in The Inbetweeners and has brought her own Folio Theatre company to Trowbridge since, added: “Town Hall Arts is doing amazing work to inspire young people in Trowbridge and across Wiltshire. As an actress who grew up in Trowbridge, I understand the vital importance of having access to a local theatre producing inspiring work.

“Trowbridge is Wiltshire’s county town and it needs its own arts centre. Without Town Hall Arts, the people of Trowbridge would have to travel to access a regular artistic programme, leaving so many of our young creatives missing out.”

Coronation Street star Leon Ockenden, who wowed audiences in Trowbridge in Stone Cold Murder this Christmas, joined the throng, declaring: “Performing at Town Hall Arts has been one of the best experiences of my career.

“I loved my time in Trowbridge and very much hope to come back. I really hope it gets the support it needs to keep going for many years yet.”

The 130 Challenge, because it is 130 years since Sir Roger Brown gave the Hall to the townspeople, will see at least 130 people who own or work in Trowbridge businesses tackle a figure-of-eight walk around the town, centred on the Market Street Hall, walking either 10k or 5k and each raising at least £130 - adding over £16,000 to the coffers.

The Trust needs to find a minimum of £35,000 to Survive, £60,000 to Thrive, for the next three years, while revenue grows enough to make the building self-financing and ready for the next stage, a major project to restore the entire structure and recreate the magnificent upstairs ballroom.

If you run a business or work in Trowbridge, or simply want to support the 130 Challenge and help save the Hall, joining in is simple: go to the Chamber’s website at www.trowbridgechamber.co.uk and sign up to take part.

Registration will be from 1pm on June 24, the walk starts at 1.30pm and you’ve got three hours to cover 10k or 5k.

If you can’t walk yourself but want to help, they need volunteers to organise and marshall the event and hand out water to walkers, email trowbridgechamber@gmail.com and there is also a Local Giving page at https://localgiving.org/fundraising/130challenge/

Companies wanting to know more about how they can get involved in pledging to help the hall should contact THA Director Tracy Sullivan on director@townhallarts.co.uk or call 01225 774306.

To make a one-off or a regular donation to help ensure the long term future of the Town Hall, go to LocalGiving.org, by searching for Town Hall Arts.