A SPECIAL fete and remembrance event which raises money for a Basingstoke hospice is to be held next month.

The third Sunflower Fete, which will be held within the grounds of St Michael’s Hospice on Sunday, June 1, will mark the culmination of the Sunflower Appeal.

The event offers people the chance to remember loved ones by making a donation to the hospice in return for a wooden sunflower inscribed with a personal message.

These sunflower tributes will be planted within the hospice Labyrinth garden throughout the month of June and a special remembrance service will take place at 11.30am on June 1, before the fete begins at midday.

Chris Griffiths, marketing and events manager at the hospice, said: “The culmination of the Sunflower Appeal at the Sunflower Fete is a truly special day.

“This event is quite unique as it offers families the opportunity to remember loved ones in a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere whilst helping to dispel the myth that hospices are scary places to be.

“We hope to see as many people as possible, and look forward to welcoming them to a special day.”

People of all ages are welcome to attend the fete, which will run until 4pm, and will include a variety of stalls including a barbecue, bouncy castle, face painting and games including splat the rat.

The hospice, in Aldermaston Road, cares for local people with life-limiting illnesses and needs to raise around £2.4million a year to fund its services which support patients and their families.

For more information, visit stmichaelshospice.org.uk or call 01256 848848.