Over 700 men and women have now signed up to take part in St Elizabeth Hospice’s Midnight Walk or run which is just a month away – on Saturday 18th May.
This year’s fundraising event – which is open to men and women – has a carnival theme and the exciting line-up of entertainment to keep the walkers and runners motivated on the night has been announced.
The local acts have all pledged to perform for free following an appeal from the charity, which improves the lives of people in East Suffolk living with a progressive illness.
Performing at Ipswich Town Football Club, where the Midnight Walk eight or five-mile circular route begins and ends will be:
- Escape Reality – free running, acrobatic, stage performing stunt group
- IPSUM YP CIC – hooping and African drumming group
- Lou Safire – fire-eater
- Samboomba – samba band
(From left to right: Escape Reality, Samboomba, and the warm-up at last year’s event)
Simon Goldsmith, an Elvis impersonator will also be performing at the Royal George on Colchester Road which is the first refreshment stop on the eight mile route.
Midnight Walk organiser, Leanne Carhart, said: “With this year’s Midnight Walk being open to men and women, we wanted a unique theme and entertainment acts that would appeal to both genders and get participants warmed and fired up for their walk or run.
“We invited local groups to perform on the night and have been overwhelmed with the support of local people and I am delighted with the exciting and diverse entertainment we have signed up.”
The carnival themed warm up will be aerobics inspired and will be led by both male and female instructors on a stage decorated in bright lights and vivid colours.
Walkers and runners will also be able to get into the carnival spirit by donning fancy dress including bunny ears, feather boas, flashing cowgirl hats, light sabres, laser rings and sweat bands which will soon be available from selected St Elizabeth Hospice shops and on the night.
More than 700 people have signed up to walk or run the route and more are encouraged to register before the closing date on 15th May.
St Elizabeth Hospice costs £8.7m a year to run and relies on fundraising events such as the Midnight Walk as well as donations and the income generated from its shops.
The Midnight Walk 2013 is supported by the East Anglian Daily Times, Ipswich Star and Town 102.
Registration costs £15; to sign up or find out more visit www.midnightwalkipswich.co.uk or call 01473 707043. All participants are asked to raise sponsorship.