A HOMLESSNESS charity in Winchester is once again encouraging people to ditch their home comforts for a night under the stars.

Registration is open for Trinity’s next Big Sleep Out this year in the grounds of Winchester College on Friday, May 24.

The evening consists of fundraising, music, entertainment, building cardboard shelters and food from local vendors. From 11pm non-sleepers will vacate to allow all participants to settle down for the night. Every penny raised in sponsorship will go back into Trinity’s services, helping people out of homelessness.

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Sue McKenna, chief executive of Trinity Winchester, said: “This is our biggest event of the year bringing in people from all over the city for this unique night.  The sleep out is not an experience of homelessness, as we will all return to a warm shower and home the following morning but is an eye-opening way to raise money and awareness for our services. Last year over £27,000 was raised from this event and put back into providing long-term support for vulnerable people. We would love your help in achieving that again this year.”

The event starts at 6pm. Tickets cost £6 per child, £12 per adult or £60 for groups. Each participant has a fundraising target of £100 or £50 for under 18s. Anyone who raises £150 or more will receive a free Big Sleep Out t-shirt.

Registration is open at bigsleepout2024.eventbrite.co.uk or for more information go to trinitywinchester.org.uk or contact the team on 01962 828636.