Star gazing BIG Sleep invites everyone to raise awareness of homelessness

Thursday, 18 April 2024 01:00

Salisbury-based charity Alabaré is inviting everyone aged eight and over to its first stargazing BIG Sleep at Messums West, Tisbury.

Alabaré is famous for its BIG Sleep events, which aim to raise awareness of the plight of the homeless and to raise funds.

Messums West is in the middle of the Cranborne Chase National Landscape, designated an International Dark Night Sky Reserve and provides fabulous opportunities for stargazing.

The event is a prominent part of Messums’ De Nadder Festival, which takes place on Friday, May 24th.

‘"Messums West wants to help Alabaré and those they support, and we look forward to forging an ongoing partnership to help this important work," commented Oliver Le Sueur, Events Manager at Messums West.

"We are delighted to partner with Messums and the Cranborne Chase National Landscape team for our first stargazing BIG Sleep," says Events Manager Rebecca Mullen. "It is a stunning location, and we have shaped the event around the idea of star gazing while holding the idea that sometimes our clients come to us with absolutely nothing. We can all feel overwhelmed when we hear about the plight of those in need, but this event promises to be a very moving but practical way to show our care while helping the charity to raise funds to bring more people off the street and onto a journey of hope."

This poignant event has three key elements: a guided twilight walk that will feature poetry and stories led by the actor Pippa Haywood, a talk by professional astronomer Steve Tonkins of the Cranborne Chase National Landscape, and then, with the assistance of experienced astronomers, there is the chance for participants to take a close up look at the skies through telescopes.

Afterwards, everyone will get to bed down for the night (no tents) in the courtyard by the barn and fall asleep under the stars. A wet weather plan is in place should the British weather not be in their favour. In the morning, everyone will be given breakfast and will have learned the difference their one act of compassion has made to the homeless.

Anyone aged eight or older and in good health can take part, so it is ideal for families looking for something memorable and impactful to do over the half-term break. Everyone taking part pledges to raise £150 as an adult and £25 as a young person.

To register, visit alabare.co.uk

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