A mother has spoken of Brighton Dome’s importance to the city – and says she has it to thank for her newborn baby.

Marianne Barton, 42, from Hove, gave birth to son Barnaby 12 weeks ago.

Marianne met her husband, Matt, at a show at the Dome three years ago.

She said: “My son might not be here today if it wasn’t for the Dome and that concert.”

Electrician Matt, 36 recalled the evening back in 2015: “We met at The Gaslight Anthem gig in the Concert Hall.

“We had mutual friends who were loitering at the back so we thought we’d push straight to the front and stayed there for the whole gig.”

The pair are now doing their part to return the favour to the Dome by helping launch a competition that will allow one lucky person to name a seat at the venue.

As part of the Build Brighton Dome community appeal, the winner will have the opportunity to dedicate an engraved seat plaque to a loved one, a friend or a memory.

Marianne says that with the Dome having given her so many memories it was the right thing to do to return the favour.

She said: “They’ve been instrumental in our history so we thought it would be great to be part of their history.

“We went in two weeks ago and did some filming for them.”

She also encouraged people to enter the Dome competition, not just for the prize but to also make sure the historic Brighton venue can continue to create memories.

Marianne said: “I think for other people, they can make their history part of the Dome’s history.

“It also generates interest in the Dome because it plays such a huge part in the social side of the city.

“First and foremost new generations will have the Dome there to be part of their history.

“If we don’t keep these places going they might not be here in the future.”

The Build Brighton Dome appeal was set up to support the transformation of the Corn Exchange and Studio Theatre.

To date, more than 6,000 people have donated £50,000 which has been matched pound for pound by the Roddick Foundation, taking the total raised to £100,000.

The appeal aims to raise a further £200,000 by mid December.

Andrew Comben, Brighton Dome and Brighton Festival chief executive said: “The public support for our building campaign has been incredible and we’re very grateful to everyone who has donated so far.

“Dedicating a seat in one of our refurbished theatres creates a lasting legacy for individuals, families, communities and businesses, as well as supporting the transformation of these historic buildings.”

Marianne said: “We’re supporting the Build Brighton Dome campaign because the venue is a special place for us and we hope more people will share similar experiences.

“The refurbishment plans for the new spaces look amazing and we can’t wait to take Barnaby to a family event or his first gig when he’s a bit older.”

To enter the Build Brighton Dome name a seat competition or to donate to the community appeal visit: bit.ly/CompetitionBBD