Birmingham Royal Ballet meets £60k target for tutu repair

Some of the tutus are ripped and have been previously repaired

A ballet company said it would be able to restore tutus and costumes first seen in a production 40 years ago after reaching a fundraising target.

Birmingham Royal Ballet (BRB) reached its goal of £60,000 to restore The Sleeping Beauty costumes ahead of new performances next year.

Last month it said costumes from Sir Peter Wright's production were in urgent need of repair.

BRB artistic director Carlos Acosta said the items would now look good.

Thanking supporters on social media for their fundraising drive, he said: "It's going to make a big impact in restoring these costumes and just give it a bit of sparkle.

"They are going to look like new."

The company has begun remaking some costumes, such as the tutu pictured on the right

The BRB said "timeless classic" The Sleeping Beauty had been enjoyed by millions since it was first created and for many people marked their first experience of a classical ballet.

"The costumes are nearly 40 years old - and are in urgent need of repair, restoration or in some cases, to be completely re-made."

The company added it took a costume technician about three hours to restore one area of damage.

The BRB said the classical ballet was a jewel in the crown of its repertoire

Money was raised through the Big Give Christmas Challenge, a match-funding campaign to help charities.

About 200 items, including tiaras, masks, neckties, zips, lacework and sections of beading are expected to be repaired.

The repairs include small items such as masks and beading

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