The summer holidays are approaching, and if you’re looking for some inspiration for a day out, why not see what charity events are going on in your area. There are plenty of fun things going on up and down the country, raising money for great causes while keeping you well entertained.
Here we’ve picked a few of our favourites – from late night zoos, to car shows and tea parties.
If there isn’t anything you fancy, you could always consider organising your own summer gathering. Whether it’s picnic in the park, a pub quiz or a karaoke night, setting up a JustGiving page and a JustTextGiving code will make it really easy for anyone attending to donate to your favourite charity.
Charity events taking place over the summer
Mill Dene Garden open day – Saturday 23rd June
Hidden in the Cotswolds, Mill Dene is a classic English country garden with a few surprises, including a misty grotto, bog garden and a fruit garden. All proceeds from entry and refreshments will be going to JDRF, the world’s leading charitable funder of type 1 diabetes research.
Entry is £5. Find out more information on the JDRF website.
Gospel concert in aid of Make-A-Wish Foundation – Friday 29th June
One for a rainy day, this concert taking place at the National Indoor Arena in Birmingham, will include acts such as the Gospel Express Choir and the Shepherds Children’s Choir.
Tickets cost £25 (concessions £15) and are available on the Make-A-Wish website.
National Festival Birmingham – 2nd – 7th July
Organised by Music for Youth, the National Festival is a six day celebration of music that brings together 12,000 young musicians from around the UK. Taking place in some of Birmingham’s top venues, there are performances of jazz, orchestral, rock, folk and world, wind and brass, pop, choral and chamber music.
Tickets are between £2.25 and £6 and are available on the Music for Youth website.
F1™ Party – Wednesday 4th July
If you’re feeling flush, Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity (GOSH) and Formula One management are hosting a party to celebrate the official launch of the 2012 Formula 1 Santander British Grand Prix. At Battersea Evolution in London’s Battersea Park, the night will include music, cocktails and food.
Tickets are £300 each. You can buy a ticket and find out more information about the night on the GOSH website.
Lewknor Rehoming Centre Family Fun Day –Sunday 8th July
If you’re an animal lover, Blue Cross For Pets are hosting a family fun day at their rehoming centre in Lewknor, Oxfordshire. Fun for all the family, the day includes a dog show, refreshments, a car boot sale and bric-a-brac sale, plus games for dogs and kids.
Find out more information about the day on the Blue Cross For Pets website.
Zoo Lates –Every Friday night throughout June and July
Every Friday until the end of July, London Zoo is opening its doors outside of hours for a night out with the animals. There’s plenty on offer, including comedy in the aquarium, cabaret in the amphitheatre and live music in the penguin pool. Plus, with 750 different species to discover, a range of animal talks, feeds and demonstrations, you can find out what the animals really get up to after dark.
Zoo Lates is from 6-10pm and is an adults-only event. Tickets are £15 and are available on the London Zoo website.
An evening of dance and film with The Freewheelers Theatre Company – Thursday 12th July
The Freewheelers Theatre Company bring disabled and non-disabled actors, production teams and the local community together. At Epsom College, they will be showcasing some of the dance and film pieces that they’ve been working on in the last year.
Tickets are £16 (including a finger buffet) and are available on The Freewheelers Theatre Company website.
Salisbury FC family fun day – Sunday 5th August
Taking place at Raymond McEnHill Stadium and raising money for Naomi House Children’s Hospice, the day will include a charity football match and the unveiling of the new Salisbury City FC strip.
Find out more information on the Naomi House website.
White Dove Collectors Transport Show – Sunday 12th August
If cars or motorbikes are your thing, then the White Dove Collectors Transport Show will give you the opportunity to gaze over some real classics. Raising money for the Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice, they’ll be a wide range of cars, motorcycles, scooters, military and commercial vehicles on display. There’s also an auto jumble, trade stalls, live music, a bar and hot food.
The show takes place in Kingsley, Hampshire and you can find out more information on the White Dove Collectors website.
Green Island Gardens Tea Party
Canine Partners are hosting afternoon tea at Green Island Gardens, Colchester. The private gardens are designed by the owner, Fiona Edmond and display a huge range of unusual trees, shrubs, perennials, and bulbs.
Tickets are £13. Find out more information on the Canine Partners website.
Do you know of a great event coming up for charity? Are you hosting your own charity event? We’d love to hear about. Leave us a comment on the blog below.
