Families enjoyed a magical day of live music, dance and storytelling during a popular summer party organised by East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).
The showpiece event, called Treefest, was attended by nearly 130 people, representing 34 families, and held at The Treehouse on Saturday.
It took place amid a relaxed, festival-style atmosphere and was for children and families receiving care and support, as well as those who have been bereaved.
Musical highlights included performances by Ipswich School of Dance, Sunset Bamboo and the Limelight Choir.
Allonsfield Care Farm brought along some furry friends, while visitors were able to create their own insect houses with help from Ipswich Wildlife Group.
Other popular features included a Dance East movement sensory trail, enchanting storytelling sessions with Gerry Donlan, Roisin Murray and Justine De Mierre, the chance to sit in a fire engine and visits from Zest Young Adult Care, the Rainbow Trust children’s charity, Suffolk Libraries and the Clown Doctors.
Families were able to spread out in the woodland, playground and patio areas, and there was also a facepainting and glitter tattoos stand, a sensory zone and adult craft area. Meanwhile, guests tucked into a barbecue and treats provided by the hospice’s catering team.
“We had a fabulous day, and the weather was beautiful,” said Kelly Evans, EACH’s Groups and Events Co-ordinator at The Treehouse.
“It’s lovely hosting an event of this nature at a place where families clearly feel such a connection and sense of belonging.
“Everything went smoothly, and there was a very relaxed feel throughout.
“We had a fantastic line-up of guests, and the aim was to create a festival experience, which families being supported might not normally be able to access.
“There were so many genuinely lovely, powerful moments and lots of smiles and laughter. It made all the hard work and planning worthwhile.”
Kelly said she was grateful to the army of volunteers who supported the day, as well as Gareth Cumberland and the NHS Suffolk and North-East Essex estates team, for sparing time to help with the set-up on Friday.
“We were thankful to so many others for coming along to help us on the day, including our three storytellers, Abbie Khangaroot, who fundraised at her work to be able to offer free facepainting and glitter tattoos, Andi Plumbing, from Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service, Jasmine Eaglen, from Allonsfield Care Farm, and Ed Stock, from Roberto’s Ices, who kindly donated 200 ice creams.”
Pictures: Karen Self/EACH
