The Old Crown, in Great Bookham, Surrey, will be hosting a charity fundraising weekend over the August Bank Holiday in support of local charity, Billy’s Battalion.
The Old Crown, Great Bookham
This is a charity supporting children and families affected by DIPG, a rare and aggressive form of childhood brain cancer. It was founded in memory of local four-year-old Billy Thompson, who lost his life to DIPG.
Billy’s story has touched the heart of the Bookham community, and the event, Billy Wears The Crown, will celebrate his life while helping to raise funds for research and support for other children affected by the disease.
“DIPG took Billy from us when he was just four years old, and there is still no cure,” said Billy’s mum and co-founder of the charity, Ellie Thompson. “Everything we do through Billy’s Battalion is about changing that for the children and families who come after us.
“We’d love to see as many people as possible at The Old Crown over the weekend. Come and have fun, raise a glass to Billy, and help us raise as much as we possibly can for research into this devastating disease.”
The weekend will kick-off on Friday with live music from 7.30pm, alongside a silent auction featuring donations from local businesses. On Saturday, guests can enjoy an evening of stand-up comedy and magic from 5-8.30pm, alongside a brewery pop-up.
Sunday will be the main Billy Wears The Crown celebration. It will be a family-friendly day featuring face painting, superheroes, fairground games, a pop-up bar, DJ, fancy dress competition, and plenty of kids’ entertainment. The bank holiday weekend will round off on Monday with live music from 2pm.
Lukas Ackermann, general manager at The Old Crown, said: “We’re incredibly proud to be hosting this event and to support such a special charity that means so much to the Bookham community.
“Billy’s story has touched so many people locally, and we wanted to create a weekend that celebrates his life, while bringing the community together to have fun and raise as much money and awareness as possible.”
Ellie added: “We feel incredibly lucky to live in a community that continues to remember Billy and stand behind us in everything we’re trying to achieve in his name.
“Billy was such a huge character, so a whole weekend of music, superheroes, silliness, and people coming together feels like a very fitting way to celebrate him.”
