The Town Council is encouraging residents to gather their friends and family and make a day of it as final preparations are put in place for its brand-new summer event, Prom in the Park. This lively community celebration, taking place for the first time this year, combines entertainment with an important cause – raising funds for St Wilfrid’s Hospice (Eastbourne).
Set for Sunday 7th June from 3pm to 6pm at the Western Road Recreation Ground, the event promises an enjoyable afternoon designed to be shared, offering live music, family-friendly activities and a welcoming atmosphere for all ages.
Organisers are inviting people to come along in groups, whether with family, friends or neighbours, and enjoy a relaxed picnic-style afternoon. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets, folding chairs and picnic treats to create their own space and soak up the entertainment. Hot food and refreshments, including freshly prepared jacket potatoes, will also be available from Ye Olde Spud Shoppe.
At the heart of the event will be a live performance from Warbleton Brass Band, whose varied programme of well-known tunes and modern favourites is set to appeal to audiences of all generations.
Younger visitors – and the young at heart – can enjoy a range of free entertainment throughout the afternoon, including close-up magic, balloon modelling and a traditional Punch and Judy show hosted by Jonathan Cann. Hailsham FM will also be present to help capture the spirit of the occasion.
Cllr Anne Marie Ricketts, Chair of the Communities Committee, said: “Prom in the Park is all about bringing people together. It’s a chance to enjoy great music, spend quality time with loved ones and be part of something positive for the community. We’d love to see people inviting others along and really making an occasion of it.”
While the event is designed to be fun and inclusive, it also carries an important purpose: raising funds for St Wilfrid’s Hospice at a time when support is more important than ever.
A collection will be held at the end of the afternoon, with all proceeds going directly to the hospice, which provides essential end-of-life care to people across the local area.
Like many hospices nationwide, St Wilfrid’s is currently facing increasing financial pressures. Following a recent review, the organisation has made the difficult decision to end its Care@Home personal care service in order to help secure its long-term future. However, its core clinical services remain fully in place, with patients continuing to receive expert care both at home and within the Inpatient Unit.
Town councillors have stressed that the event is about more than just entertainment – it is an opportunity for the community to come together in support of a cause that affects so many local families.
“This is a chance for people to come together, enjoy an afternoon with those closest to them and support a service that means so much to our community,” said councillor Mary Laxton. “We’re encouraging everyone to bring along friends, relatives and neighbours – the more people who come, the greater the impact we can make.”
She added: “Many of us know someone who has been supported by St Wilfrid’s Hospice. This event is our way of giving something back and helping ensure that care remains available for those who need it in the future.”
With hopes that Prom in the Park will become a much-loved annual tradition, organisers are keen to see a strong turnout for its inaugural year. Residents are encouraged to spread the word, attend in groups and support the event generously – helping to create not only a memorable summer afternoon, but also a meaningful contribution to a vital local charity.
Terry Hall, COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER
Hailsham Town Council, Market Street, Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 2AE
Telephone: 01323 841702 | Email: terry.hall@hailsham-tc.gov.uk