Theme park seeks performers for hospice fundraiser

A previous event at Gulliver's Land also raised money for Willen Hospice

A theme park is looking for local musicians and dancers to perform in a charity event in aid of a hospice.

Gulliver’s Land in Milton Keynes said it wanted "performing groups to entertain visitors" on the weekend of 21 and 22 September.

It will donate a percentage of each ticket to nearby Willen Hospice, which offers free care to people with life-limiting illnesses.

Resort director Sue Conway said Gulliver’s Land wanted to "provide some wonderful entertainment" with acts such as flashmobs, majorettes, and bands.

"There is a limited number of how many performers we can have, but we would like to hear from anyone who is interested in being considered to showcase their talents," she said.

Those who are chosen will receive free entry to the park, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary in Milton Keynes.

It opened next to Willen Lake in 1999 and is one of four Gulliver’s theme parks in the UK aimed at children aged from two to 13.

The theme park in Milton Keynes is celebrating its 25th anniversary since it opened next to Willen Lake in 1999

Guest experience manager, Liam Garcia, said an African drumming troupe from Milton Keynes and a dance school from Northampton were already lined up, along with some vocalists.

He said they started fundraising events for the hospice after the pandemic hit their income, but this was the first time the theme park had run a whole weekend and invited local acts to take part.

He added: "This year was like, ‘Let’s go bigger’. We wanted to make it more like a carnival feel this time.”

Ms Conway said: "Willen Hospice has been serving the local community since 1981, offering specialist, personalised care for patients and their families.

"While 15% of its annual running costs are met by the NHS, the hospice continues to provide its palliative care services free of charge, doing incredible work, and we are pleased to be able to give a little something back to the hospice team."