The BIG Sleep Returns to Salisbury Cathedral

​​​​​​​The annual Alabaré BIG Sleep at Salisbury Cathedral returns on Friday, 28th March 2025, for its 17th year!

Salisbury-based charity Alabaré is calling for record participation at this flagship sleep-out event, held in the cloisters of the iconic Cathedral.

Each year, Alabaré invites local community members to brave a night on the cold, hard floor to raise essential funds and awareness of homelessness. The BIG Sleep is a chance for participants to experience, however briefly, the challenges faced by those without a home—and for supporters to make a powerful statement of solidarity.

All funds raised will go directly to Alabaré’s Somewhere to Go project in Salisbury, which provides critical support for those who are homeless or at risk. Open six days a week, this lifeline offers drop-in advice, hot meals, showers, and assistance with finding accommodation and further support.

The event also offers a chance to learn more about Alabaré’s broader mission and hear stories from individuals whose lives have been transformed by the charity’s 78 homes and services across the South-West. Team games and competitions will be running on the night as well -  the Alabaré Team want to see as many best dressed sleeping bags uploaded to social media, prizes will be awarded!

Rebecca Mullen, Alabaré’s Events Manager, says: “Our BIG Sleep at Salisbury Cathedral promises to be a powerful, reflective, and humbling experience. As you bed down for the night, you’ll be reminded of the reality faced by those who are homeless every day. For participants, it’s one night; in the morning, you can go home to warmth and comfort. But for so many, this is not the case.

"The mental and physical health challenges faced by those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness are immense, and it’s crucial that we continue to provide this life-saving support. We rely on the incredible generosity of our supporters to keep going."

The event welcomes a diverse group each year—from secondary school pupils and local businesses to long-time supporters, some of whom are over 80. These participants feel a deep sense of pride in the difference their efforts make. We are pleased to also announce the return of the Fijian Assembly of God Church Choir whose infectious singing and dancing will have everyone rocking in aisles of the Cloisters!

Rebecca adds, “We are very grateful to those companies that support this event through sponsorship so that all the money donated goes towards our homeless work.  Special thanks go to Fawcetts Accountants and McDonalds for providing a much-needed hot breakfast in the morning.

"This is our 17th year sleeping out at Salisbury Cathedral. We hope local companies and residents will make 2025 the year they join us in supporting those facing hardship and crisis. Together, as a community, we can make a difference.”

Alabaré asks each BIG Sleeper to pledge to raise at least £125 per person in sponsorship, or £60 for those under 18 years of age. To sign up, visit www.alabare.co.uk/events/