Charity hopeful popular Suffolk Remembers event will go ahead in traditional format
St Elizabeth Hospice's Suffolk Remembers 2021 is due to take place on 21 June
Last updated 30th May 2021
St Elizabeth Hospice is hopeful its popular Suffolk Remembers event will go ahead in its traditional format next month.
Due to restrictions around Covid-19 last year, the event was broadcast as an online video for those who had a dedicated a candle to view.
The event sees 5,000 candles displayed along Felixstowe seafront and allows people to gather to grieve and rejoice in the memory of their loved ones.
While it is due to go ahead on 21 June, when social restrictions could be lifted, it will be able to accommodate social distancing rules.
However, if there is a dramatic change in restrictions, the charity is prepared to hold it virtually if needs be.
Pauline Donkin, Head of Individual Giving and Supporter Care at St Elizabeth Hospice, is hopeful that won't be the case:
"It is such a moving event and you can't quite capture that when you do it virtually. We want to welcome people back and, I think more than ever, people want to come together to remember.
"The effects of the pandemic have been huge and I know that when people could hug on 17 May, it meant an awful lot to people to be able to do that once more. I think coming together to share that grief and share that remembrance will be the same."
The event will include performances from Suffolk-based singers Christina Johnston and Roma Manteiga-Nicholson, and people will also get to see the first painted sculpture for Ipswich's 2022 art trail, Big Hoot.
Roma Manteiga-Nicholson said:
"I'm extremely excited to be performing at Suffolk Remembers 2021 for St Elizabeth Hospice. The hospice provides comfort and care for patients and families and I've supported them by fundraising at events for the last three years and volunteering recently at their Zest charity shop, which raises funds for their young adult service."
Christina Johnston, who will also be lighting candles to remember her father, grandfather and grandmother, added:
"These past, more than 12 months have been such a difficult time for families to be able to say their goodbyes in the normal way.
"Being from Framlingham myself and experiencing the immense support and help from St Elizabeth Hospice with my own family members in the past, I know how vital the work of St Elizabeth Hospice is and how much they provide families during terribly difficult times, this year more than ever.
"It will be such an honour for me to be part of this very special event of the lighting of the candles in memory of our dear loved ones who are no longer with us. It is a really moving and beautiful occasion to dedicate to the ones we love who can no longer stand beside us but who are imbedded deep within our hearts."
To dedicate a candle and to find out further information about Suffolk Remembers visit suffolkremembers.stelizabethhospice.org.uk, email fundraising@stelizabethhospice.org.uk or call 01473 723600.