Dreamnight at Drusillas Park

Over 700 guests enjoyed a magical evening at the zoo on Friday (5 June) as Drusillas Park hosted their annual Dreamnight event, exclusively for chronically ill and disabled children in the region to enjoy with their families. 

Dreamnight is a charity event which takes place around the world on the first Friday of June. Each zoo organises the evening in their own way but in all cases the children are welcomed as VIPs.

At Drusillas Park guests travelled to the event from throughout the South East after receiving tickets from various organisations including Demelza House, Chailey Heritage, Children with Cancer Fund, Chestnut Tree House and The Royal Alexander Hospital.

The evening included a special guest appearance from Hello Kitty and The Fat Controller also popped in to oversee the smooth running of the Thomas & Friends™ railway. A workshop was provided by Miz’s Dance and Circus and DJ David ensured the party was a smash.

Volunteers from Pets As Therapy also attended with a group of friendly four-legged friends. Plus there were close animal encounters, face painting, the rare opportunity to see the animals after hours as well as a BBQ with food and drinks supplied by 3663 and PIP Organic Juices.

The Park was decorated with balloons from Paperlane, Eastbourne and Halcyon Print Management Ltd produced a souvenir programme for each guest. Plus Southern Events provided a large marquee for the evening, in case the weather did not show up. Each child also received a gift supported by a large number of generous donations.

Drusillas Park’s Managing Director, Christine Smith commented: “It’s been another successful evening and we hope that everyone enjoyed themselves as much as we did.”

“We are very proud to support this worldwide event and put on an exclusive evening which benefits so many local children and charities. We would like to say a huge thank you to all the individuals who volunteered their time and services to enable it to happen. We have had a great deal of support from local businesses, suppliers and other individuals for which we are extremely grateful, including Alfriston Heartstart. It is great to be able to provide this opportunity for children who may not otherwise be able to visit the zoo during our usual opening hours.”