Hailsham’s Prom in the Park to Raise Vital Funds for St Wilfrid’s Hospice

Hailsham Town Council has made further preparations for its brand new annual summer event – Prom in the Park – a vibrant community celebration with a powerful purpose at its heart in its inaugural year: raising vital funds for St Wilfrid’s Hospice (Eastbourne).

Hailsham Town Council has made further preparations for its brand new annual summer event – Prom in the Park – a vibrant community celebration with a powerful purpose at its heart in its inaugural year: raising vital funds for St Wilfrid’s Hospice (Eastbourne).

Taking place on Sunday 7th June, from 3pm to 6pm at the Western Road Recreation Ground, the event promises an uplifting afternoon of music, family entertainment and community spirit – all in support of a hospice that provides essential end-of-life care across the region.

A Summer Celebration with a Serious Purpose

Residents are warmly invited to bring along picnic blankets, chairs and hampers for a relaxed outdoor concert atmosphere. Delicious jacket potatoes and refreshments will also be available from Ye Olde Spud Shoppe.

Providing the musical centrepiece of the afternoon will be Warbleton Brass Band, performing a lively and wide-ranging repertoire of much-loved classics and contemporary favourites designed to appeal to all generations.

Families can also enjoy a host of free children’s entertainment, including close-up magic, balloon modelling and a traditional Punch and Judy show presented by Jonathan Cann. 

Cllr Anne Marie Ricketts, Chair of the Communities Committee, said: “Prom in the Park is a fantastic new addition to our events programme and a great opportunity for residents of all ages to come together. With live music, family-friendly entertainment and fundraising for a much-valued local hospice, we hope this event will quickly become a highlight of the summer.”

But beyond the music and merriment lies the event’s equally most important goal: to generate meaningful financial support for St Wilfrid’s Hospice at a critical time.

Supporting a Hospice That Supports Us All

A charity collection will take place at the close of the event, with all donations going directly to St Wilfrid’s Hospice. The fundraiser comes as the hospice navigates significant financial pressures currently facing hospices across England.

Following a recent service review, St Wilfrid’s has made the difficult decision to discontinue its Care@Home personal care service as part of wider measures to secure long-term sustainability. Importantly, its specialist clinical care – including Community and Inpatient services – remains fully operational. Patients will continue to receive expert support at home from nurses, doctors, healthcare assistants, social workers and therapy teams, while the Inpatient Unit and advice line remain open.

Colin Twomey, CEO of St Wilfrid’s Hospice Eastbourne, said the organisation – which receives only around a quarter of its funding from the NHS and must raise the remainder through charitable income – faces unprecedented financial challenges but remains steadfast in its mission to deliver compassionate end-of-life care.

A Community Called to Action

Councillors have emphasised that Prom in the Park is not simply an afternoon of entertainment, but an opportunity for Hailsham residents to stand behind a charity that has touched countless local families.

“This event is about more than music,” said town councillor Mary Laxton. “It’s about community, compassion and coming together to safeguard the future of a service that so many people rely on.”

“We all know someone that has needed the services offered by St Wilfrid’s Hospice and that’s one of the reasons why we are organising this event to raise funds to support the charity.”

Councillors have also expressed their hope that Prom in the Park will become a cherished annual tradition – one that blends celebration with civic pride and meaningful charitable impact.

With strong community backing, generous donations and a shared determination to support St Wilfrid’s Hospice, Prom in the Park aims to demonstrate what Hailsham does best: coming together in support of those who need it most.

Residents are encouraged to attend, give generously and help make this inaugural event both a memorable summer afternoon and a significant fundraising success.