ST Clare Hospice welcomed hundreds of visitors of all ages to its annual Summer Fayre on Saturday, as glorious sunshine provided the perfect backdrop for a day of family fun, entertainment and community spirit.

The Hospice grounds were filled with stalls, sideshows, face painting and games, while visitors enjoyed live performances from Rock Choir and Makin’ Steps Performing Arts, alongside a fashion show showcasing pre-loved style from St Clare’s Scarlet Vintage & Retro charity shop.

Guests also enjoyed ice creams, refreshments, a licensed bar, plant and cake stalls, a teddy tombola, and a fantastic selection of local businesses selling everything from home-baked brownies and locally produced honey to jewellery, crafts and gifts. Visitors also had the chance to meet Meadow and Daisy, two of the striking lion sculptures set to feature in St Clare Hospice’s upcoming Lions on the Loose art trail, which is coming to Harlow, Loughton and Epping this July.

The event raised just under £11,000 for St Clare Hospice, enough to fund four days of specialist community palliative care delivered by the Hospice’s Clinical Nurse Specialist team.

St Clare event fundraiser Rosie Brewer said: “It was wonderful to see so many people come together to support St Clare Hospice and enjoy such a fantastic day. The incredible weather, entertainment and support from our local community made this year’s Summer Fayre one to remember. Every pound raised helps us continue providing outstanding care to local families when they need us most, and we’re so grateful to everyone who came along.”

St Clare Hospice extends its sincere thanks to HTS Group & Jewsons, The Wedding Brothers, Harlow Garden Centre, Daniel Robinson & Sons, Matthews Plants, Bents Plant Hire, Makin’ Steps Performing Arts, Rock Choir, Scarlet Vintage & Retro, GFC Leisure, all of the wonderful stallholders, and the Hospice’s amazing volunteers, whose support helped make the event such a success.