Excitement Builds as Prom in the Park Nears Debut Event

The Town Council is inviting residents to gather friends, family and neighbours for a memorable afternoon as preparations are finalised for its exciting new summer event, Prom in the Park. Taking place for the first time this year, the community celebration will combine live entertainment with fundraising in support of St Wilfrid’s Hospice (Eastbourne).

The event will be held on Sunday 7th June from 3pm to 6pm at the Western Road Recreation Ground and promises a fun-filled afternoon for all ages, featuring music, family entertainment and a welcoming community atmosphere.

Residents are encouraged to come along in groups and enjoy a relaxed picnic-style event with loved ones. Visitors are welcome to bring picnic blankets, folding chairs and refreshments to make themselves comfortable while enjoying the entertainment. Jacket potatoes and hot drinks will also be available on site from Ye Olde Spud Shoppe.

Providing the soundtrack for the afternoon will be Warbleton Brass Band, performing a lively selection of popular classics and contemporary favourites designed to appeal to audiences of all generations.

There will also be plenty to keep younger visitors entertained, with free activities throughout the event including close-up magic, balloon modelling and a traditional Punch and Judy performance hosted by Jonathan Cann.

Hailsham FM will be compering the event and providing music to help capture the atmosphere of the day.

Cllr Anne Marie Ricketts  said: “Prom in the Park is a fantastic opportunity for people to come together, enjoy live entertainment and spend time with family and friends while supporting an important local cause. We hope residents will invite others along and make a real occasion of it.”

As part of the afternoon’s celebrations, the event will also include the official unveiling of the new beacon at the Western Road Recreation Ground. The ceremony, taking place at 4pm on the day, will feature a torch-lit procession led by members of the Hailsham Bonfire Society, culminating in the lighting of the beacon.

The newly installed beacon is expected to become a key feature for future civic celebrations and community events throughout the year.

Alongside the entertainment, Prom in the Park aims to raise vital funds for St Wilfrid’s Hospice at a time when support for hospice services is increasingly important. A collection will take place at the end of the event, with all donations going directly to the hospice, which provides essential end-of-life care for people across the local community.

Like many hospices across the country, St Wilfrid’s is currently facing significant financial pressures. Following a recent service review, the hospice has taken the difficult decision to discontinue its Care@Home personal care service to help safeguard its long-term sustainability. Despite these challenges, its core clinical services continue to operate fully, with patients still receiving specialist care both at home and within the Inpatient Unit.

Town councillors say the event is about far more than entertainment, highlighting the importance of community support for a service that has touched the lives of many local families.

Cllr Mary Laxton said: “This event is a wonderful chance for the community to come together, enjoy a summer afternoon and support a charity that means so much to so many people locally. We encourage everyone to invite friends, relatives and neighbours along, as every person attending can help make a difference.”

She added: “Many families within our community have experienced the care and support provided by St Wilfrid’s Hospice. Prom in the Park is an opportunity for us all to give something back and help ensure those services remain available for future generations.”

Organisers hope the inaugural Prom in the Park will become a popular annual tradition and are encouraging residents to spread the word, attend in groups and support the fundraising efforts generously – helping to create not only a memorable community event, but also a valuable contribution to an essential local charity.