Trinity Winchester returns to Winchester Cathedral to celebrate its 12th annual Big Sleep Out event on Friday 16th May 2025.
All are invited to this free fundraising event which includes on-stage music and entertainment from local acts such as Integr8 Dance, Diva Academy and Borubeats. Relax with reiki and reflexology in the wellbeing area, get creative in the crafts area and fuel your fundraising with delicious food from local vendors.
For those sleeping out, prizes are up for grabs for the best shelter build competition – judged by the Mayor of Winchester and Ian Gosling of Embers Bushcraft.
Emmy Award-Winning Performer, Rick Adams will present the evening’s entertainment once again, where he will invite film and TV star, Sarah Parish onto the stage to read the traditional ‘Bedtime Story’. From 10pm those sleeping will then bed down for a night under the stars, aware that tomorrow they will return to the safety of their warm home, which is sadly not an option for thousands of people across the country.
Sue McKenna, Chief Executive of Trinity Winchester, commented ‘The event raises awareness and puts a spotlight on all aspects of homelessness. Over the years, our focus has always been to minimise the need to rough sleep, to advocate for anyone sofa-surfing and to support those living in temporary accommodation. We are also working collaboratively with the Council and other local homeless charities to support people in their homes to prevent homelessness and to stop entrenchment. By sleeping out and talking to like-minded people, we can spread the word, carry on this great work, and put funds back into vital services for those in need.
Come and join us, you will be making a huge difference.’
Based in central Winchester, next to the Winnall Moors Nature Reserve, Trinity has a range of services available to support anyone who is in need. Last year they served 22,000 hot meals, offered 2,395 tenancy advice sessions to prevent homelessness and 430 people accessed their in-house healthcare. They empowered 179 women in their specialist Women’s Service, many of whom have or are currently experiencing domestic abuse.
Trinity’s Big Sleep Out is made possible by the backing and kindness of local Winchester businesses, alongside their headline sponsors Appledown Projects. Last year’s fundraising total was an incredible £32,000 which went directly back into funding Trinity’s many services.
The event is not intended to be an experience of homelessness, but it is an eye-opening way to raise money and awareness for Trinity’s services. It may not be your most comfortable night’s sleep, but it will be your most rewarding.
Tickets are selling fast! £12 per adult, £6 per child (under 16 must be accompanied by an adult) and £60 for groups of 6.
Registration is now open, click here or contact the team on 01962 828636 / kirsty@trinitywinchester.org.uk to learn more.