In order to get money in to help our vendors, and in order to keep The Big Issue going when this is all over, we acted quickly. We started offering subscriptions to the magazine. This was the first time The Big Issue had done so in any big way. It started to work, and we thank you for coming with us on that.
But we knew we needed more. So we went into shops, Sainsbury’s and McColl’s and the Co-op and Asda and others. For the first time our iconic street name went through retail doors and sat on a shelf. We also built an app so folk could buy a digital version. While all this ceaseless work went on, you contributed to our support fund. You gave so we could give.
But the battle is not over, nor is it won. We have one more big idea. It’s called The Big Raffle. The Big Raffle is raising essential funds to ensure we continue to support vendors while they are unable to sell the magazine safely on the streets and to support them to get them back to work safely in the future. Alongside supporting The Big Issue, to enable us to continue to be here for those who need us now and the many that will in the future. Fifty per cent goes to supporting vendors and 50 per cent goes to The Big Issue. And it allows us to raise funds again so we continue to help vendors, but it also allows us to find a way to thank you.
These are the sort of experiences that money can’t buy. Well, it can. But the tickets are very cheap and the memories will last a lifetime. It’s a lockdown Big Issue reward. And boy, are there some incredible things on offer here.
We thank all of the celebrities who have offered themselves and their time as a prize. None are being paid. They are doing it to support The Big Issue and our thanks is bottomless.
Keep reading to find out what you could win, and make sure to read to the end for details on how to be in with a chance of winning.
Here’s how it’ll work:
- You choose the prize you want
- You buy as many raffle tickets as you fancy
- You are entered into the raffle
- If you win, you’ll have an online face-to-face (there are one or two exceptions)
HOW TO ENTER THE BIG RAFFLE
You can enter online here. The prize draw opens on the site at 6am on Thursday June 4 and closes at midnight on Thursday June 18. Entries start at £5.
How to enter the prize draw and the full competition T&Cs are available on the website.
And here’s what you could win:
A guitar lesson with Serge from Kasabian
The conductor at the centre of it all, Serge Pizzorno is responsible for shaping the sound of Kasabian. It has brought five Number One albums at home, countless abroad and stadium shows that have united a generation. Now, he’s going to give you a guitar lesson. Just you and Serge. One on one. Hot dog!
Masterclass with Mark Millar
Millar is the genius behind a change in modern comic books. Writing first for DC and Marvel, he then went it alone creating, among other things, the Kick-Ass, Hit-Girl and Kingsman series. He sold his Millarworld line to Netflix and continues to create comic books ready for fans and screen adaptation. You win time with Millar to learn what makes the best tick.
Q&A with Armando Iannucci
Iannucci is the lodestar of British comedy. His creations include iconic cultural touchstones Alan Partridge and Malcolm Tucker. He’s gone international with Veep and Avenue 5 and movie hits The Death of Stalin and The Personal History of David Copperfield. He is offering FOUR fans the chance to take part in hour-long conversations. Ask him anything. A-HA!
Masterclass with Robert Macfarlane
For over a decade Macfarlane has been at the top of the tree when it comes to writing about nature and place. Titles including Mountains of The Mind, The Old Ways and most recently Underland have become contemporary classics. And now he’s here to help you. The winner will submit their piece of writing, Robert will read it, then go through and work on it with you, live! Start writing.
A video message from Ray Winstone – in character!
Acting legend Ray Winstone will record a personalised video message for the winner – and he is offering to do it in the style of your favourite Ray Winstone character. Could that be Carlin from Scum or Gal from Sexy Beast? Or – perhaps more of a challenge – Mr Beaver from The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe or Growltiger from Cats?! Then, of course, there’s always the guy who does those betting ads. Either way, you have to be in it to win it!
A Harry Potter quiz with Lucius Malfoy
Muggles rejoice! Jason Isaacs, who played Lucius Malfoy in the film adaptations of JK Rowling’s books, will host a half-hour Harry Potter-themed quiz for you and a group of friends. Organise yourself into different house teams, brush up on your spells and defence against the dark arts. Will Isaacs be biased towards Slytherin? Who knows! But there will be a Harry Potter goody bag for the winner.
A performance workshop with Layton Williams
Best known for playing Stephen in Bad Education, Layton Williams is also director of Pros from the Shows, founded to inspire the next generation of performers. Over a long stage career, Williams has played Billy Elliot in the West End and is the lead in the touring production of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie. He will hold a virtual one-hour dance workshop for the winner, complete with a signed T-shirt.
Prep like a champ with Luke Campbell
He took on all-comers to win the bantamweight gold medal in the London Olympics, and since turning professional Campbell has built a reputation as one of the best lightweights in the world. He’ll give you a one-on-one virtual session, helping you with your jab, your defensive moves and maybe sort that niggling hook. A knockout prize.
A message for you from Hugh Jackman
He’s Wolverine! He’s the Greatest Showman! He’s Hugh bloody Jackman! You can be the extremely lucky recipient of a personal message from one of the world’s biggest stars. You never know, he might even sing. Hugh Jackman to you!
Your life story written by Adam McKay
Academy Award-winning director and writer Adam McKay brought you the 2018 Dick Cheney biopic Vice and Anchorman. His rise has seen him master sketch comedy as head writer for Saturday Night Live while racking up Oscar nominations for his writing, directing and producing. He’s kind of a big deal – so wouldn’t you like to see your life through his eyes? One lucky winner will get to submit a paragraph or two about themselves and McKay will write a title page plus the opening three pages of the story of your life. And he’ll autograph it. Stay classy.
Hair and makeup session with Oscar nominee Lizzie Georgiou
Lizzie Georgiou is a three-time Bafta and Oscar-nominated hair, makeup and prosthetics designer best known for her work on Rocketman, Guardians Of The Galaxy, Thor, The Mummy and Made in Dagenham. She will take you for a personal digital session sharing some of the tricks and skills she has learned over the years. And also some gossip, if you ask nicely…
Acting workshop with Daniel Mays
One of the most familiar faces on British TV – from Line Of Duty to White Lines – Mays is also one of the best and most versatile character actors we have. He’ll share details of the one scene he believes was the best acting he’s ever seen, how that led him to act and what you can learn from it.
Go backstage and breakfast with Lorraine Kelly, for real, not virtual!
Lorraine Kelly is a national treasure. She has spent some 30 years beaming into our homes and helping us start the day. Now she’s removing the TV and inviting a winner to come backstage on her ITV show Lorraine then head out for breakfast with her. Now THIS is living.
Make Lady Mary jealous by hanging out with Joanne Froggatt
An incredible prize for Downton Abbey fans – and really, who isn’t – you can quiz the Golden Globe-winning actress on her incredible career in a one-to-one video chat. BUT THAT’S NOT ALL. She will also sign a script from the show especially for you. AND THAT’S NOT ALL. You can experience the high life yourself with afternoon tea for two at London’s swanky Dorchester Hotel when lockdown is over.
Enter now, don’t delay!
