After a three-year absence, The Hospice of St Francis’ ever popular Garden Party is back on Sunday 11th September, with the stunning grounds of Ashridge House again providing the backdrop.
With thousands expected to attend, all the crowd favourites are set to return including cream teas on the terrace, drinks on the lawn, live jazz, a great range of locally produced food and drink, classic cars, a fabulous shopping village and a host of children’s entertainment.
The family-friendly event from 12pm-5pm draws huge crowds who come to soak up the festival atmosphere and enjoy the chance to explore the extensive grounds of Ashridge House, which has played host since 2001 to what’s now the largest event in the Hospice’s fundraising calendar.
With less than 20% of its funding coming from the NHS, the local community have continued to sustain the Hospice. In over 43 years the Hospice has grown from supporting 20 people a year to over 2,000 thanks to the community that founded it.
Kate Grigg, the Hospice’s Joint Director of Fundraising, shares, “Over 5,000 visitors joined us last time we were at Ashridge House for the Garden Party, for what was an amazing day! It helped us raise a record £50,000 towards the over £5m it costs us every year to provide our free care. We can’t wait to welcome our local community once again, with activities and attractions to keep the whole family entertained!
“We are extremely grateful to Ashridge House for once more offering their beautiful grounds for one of the highlights in our Hospice calendar and to our sponsors Fine & Country, Machins Solicitors and Alexander & Co for their generous support.
“We’re really looking forward to this year’s event, which always has such a fantastic community atmosphere. It’s a fantastic family day out – there really is something for everyone!”
Discounted advance tickets priced £6 for adults and £2 for children (under 5s go free!) are available online at stfrancis.org.uk/gardenparty, from any of the Hospice’s shops, or from main Hospice reception at Spring Garden Lane. Tickets priced £8 will be available on the gate.
To find out more about the Hospice, visit stfrancis.org.uk or follow the charity on Twitter @hospicstfrancis or Facebook facebook.com/the hospiceofstfrancis
