Horsham town centre fun raises thousands for charity

With hundreds of people enjoying a party with Pudsey Bear, thousands of pounds poured in for the children’s charity.

Face painting, entertainers, merchandise and more, the fundraiser, which took place on Thursday October 26, was hailed a huge success.

Organised by the Horsham Rotary Club the annual event has been growing on a yearly basis.

Dave Smith, of the Rotary Club, thanked people for the support as he praised another year of raising money.

He said: “Thank you to the people of Horsham who once again came out in force to support this fun day that provides vital funds for a wonderful cause.

“We would also like to thank the many contributors and market stall holders who joined in so willingly, all helping us to help Children in Need.”

Rotarians were joined by TV star Dave Benson Phillips who performed three sing-a-long shows on the bandstand, enjoyed by people of all ages.

A television crew also filmed the event as part of the official BBC show which will be hosted by Graham Norton on Friday November 17.

Dave Benson Phillips praised the town for their continued generosity helping the charity.

He said: “As somebody who is not from Horsham I am amazed with how proactive the people are to make events like this happen.

“There is a lot of great charities out there and it is rewarding to see Children in Need support young people in the UK.”

The day coincided with a busy half term where other activities took place across the town from October 21-28.

Younger children had the chance to take part in a Halloween Trick or Treat Trail with at least 26 town businesses offering goodies with a chance to win a cash prizes from Horsham Rotary.

A Halloween party with a fancy dress competition in and around The Carfax also took place alongside local produce market.

With the main fundraiser for the BBC charity happening last Thursday, other markets and businesses chose to give some of their profits to the cause throughout the week.

Simon Teesdale, of Food Rocks, says it was pleasing to see so many people gather throughout the week.

He said: “The rotary team did a great job organising the Children in Need event.

“The day was all about giving as much as we can.

“It was nice to see so many people come together and get involved.”

Children in Need aims to give all children across the UK the chance to have a safe, happy and secure upbringing allowing them to reach their full potential in life.

Mr Teesdale added it is important for the community to come together to help.

He said: “This area is quite successful and affluent therefore it is nice for people to give something back.

“So many people come to these events wanting to fundraise, which is encouraging.”

Other crowd pullers on the charity day were birds of prey, Fast and Furious replica cars, and activities put on by staff from The Pavilions and Broadbridge Heath Leisure Centre, as well as a collection of designer shoes at Horsham Museum.

Children’s rides were also provided by Benson’s Funfairs and a thrilling bungee trampoline attracted scores of youngsters.

Merchandise will be available at the Horsham market on November 11. All monies raised will be added to the figure.

A total figure has not been released as sponsorship money still comes in.