Appeal to gamers to help save unique retro arcade

The gaming community has a final chance to save an independent retro arcade from closing for good.

Salisbury's only pinball venue, Highest Score, was forced to close last month due to running costs and low footfall.

The owner, James Petherick, is urging people to support the arcade over two open days on 11 and 12 July in a last-ditch effort to keep the arcade alive.

"This weekend is about showing what's possible when people come together. If there's ever been a time to visit, it's now," he said.

The arcade, in the Cross Keys Shopping Centre, opened in August 2024 and features a carefully-restored collection of classic pinball and retro gaming machines.

"When I closed, the whole community was, like, 'wow, we can't afford to lose this'", said Mr Petherick.

"There are three generations of children and adults that have never seen a pinball machine and I built Highest Score to bring back real, hands-on gaming and community fun to Salisbury."

Mr Petherick said the open days were an opportunity to raise awareness and prove that independent shops can survive when supported by the people and businesses around them.

The invitation is for "anyone aged eight to 80", with games available for all ages.

Entry is a £1 minimum donation for an unlimited time and an online donation page has also been set up to help secure the arcade's future.

"If I can raise enough over the two days, I'll be able to keep the arcade going for at least another week, and then hopefully into the summer holidays and beyond," he added.

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