Thetford Open Gardens is marking its 20th anniversary in style with Tunes for Twenty, a special one-off afternoon concert in Kings House Gardens on Sunday 16th August.
As the finale of the charity’s ambitious 20 for 20 campaign, the event aims to help the Thetford Open Gardens team reach their goal of raising £20,000 for St Nicholas Hospice Care, celebrating two decades of support for the much-loved local charity.
Visitors can look forward to an entertaining afternoon of live music in a beautiful garden setting, featuring performances from Breckland Brass Band, talented vocalist Chloe Preston, and the uplifting Pop Club Choir. Together, they will perform a selection of classic favourites and crowd-pleasing songs guaranteed to create a wonderful summer atmosphere.
There will also be a selection of homemade cakes, tea, coffee and cold drinks available to enjoy throughout the afternoon in aid of St Nic’s. Guests are encouraged to bring their own chairs or picnic blankets, relax among the gardens, and enjoy the music with family and friends.
A raffle will offer the chance to win a variety of prizes, including vouchers, hampers and an array of other treats, adding to the fun while supporting an important cause.
Combining music, refreshments and community spirit, Tunes for Twenty promises to be a memorable afternoon and a fitting celebration of 20 years of Thetford Open Gardens’ fundraising efforts for St Nicholas Hospice Care.
Advance booking is essential. Tickets are available from the Thetford Open Gardens booking page at: www.ticketsource.com/thetford-open-gardens
The Thetford Open Gardens team – Image: ©neiljamesmedia.com
Since launching in 2006, Thetford Open Gardens has raised more than £170,000 for the hospice, growing steadily alongside the number of events organised by the volunteer team.
The initiative was founded by Barbara Neal and Liz Hodgson, both of whom have sadly since passed away. They were later joined by Rachel Woods, who served as Chair for 15 years before handing over to current Chair Karen-Emma White in 2020.
Sue Norman is now the longest-serving committee member, with 17 years of involvement, and is well known for the huge selection of homemade cakes served in her garden each year. Two gardens from the event’s earliest days, Lake House and The Paddock, will also be opening once again this summer.
St Nicholas Hospice Care supports people across the local community facing life-limiting illnesses and must raise around £9.3 million each year to continue providing its services – the equivalent of around £26,000 every day.
While some funding comes from statutory sources, much of the charity’s work depends on donations, fundraising events and volunteers such as the TOG team. Funds raised during the 2026 campaign will help support patient care both within the hospice and out in the community.
Among those helped by the hospice is Miranda Currie and her family. Following a bowel cancer diagnosis in 2007, Miranda was referred to the Family Support Team, where she received counselling and therapy support.
Five years later, after her mother was diagnosed with terminal bladder cancer, Miranda returned to the hospice and was reunited with counsellor Anne.
“Anne remembered me – every detail, every part of my story,” Miranda said. “That moment told me everything I needed to know about what kind of place this was. It wasn’t just about treatment; it was about being seen, remembered and supported.”
Miranda (front right) with her counsellor Sarah (front left) and Jenny from Family Support (behind)
In 2023, Miranda’s husband Richie was diagnosed with incurable pancreatic cancer, with St Nicholas Hospice Care once again helping support the family through one of the hardest periods of their lives.
“St Nicholas Hospice Care has been with me through three of the hardest chapters of my life,” she said. “My own illness, my mum’s death, and Richie’s final months. And they’re still with me now.”
