Basil Brush to open Marie Curie Fete

Basil Brush will open the Marie Curie Hospice, Edinburgh, Summer Fete on Saturday 27 July 2019. Yes you read that right – a puppet will open the fundraiser for Edinburgh’s hospice on Frogston Road West.

Basil will officially open the Fete at 2.00pm, getting a well-earned break from rehearsals for his Edinburgh Festival Fringe shows at Underbelly’s Cow Barn in George Square.

Taking place in the grounds of the Marie Curie hospice at 45 Frogston Road West, entry is £1 for adults and free for children. Activities include a dog competition, meet the BobCat Alpacas, craft stalls and home baking. Last year’s Fete raised £10,000 to help provide specialist care and support for people living with a terminal illness and their loved ones.

Basil Brush said: “I’m delighted and honoured to be asked to open this fete in aid of such an important Hospice. Having lost my creator and original ‘right hand’ man Mr Ivan to cancer I fully appreciate the wonderful work all the Marie Curie staff do to support everyone while they are in the Hospice.

“I hope everybody enjoys themselves on the day and the fete will go with off with a Boom! Boom! and exceed last year’s total.” 

Hilary Ford Hospice Manager said: “We’re incredibly excited to be welcoming Basil on his first visit to the hospice! It’s going to be a fantastic day and we hope to see lots of people there.

“We’re gratefully accepting donations of raffle prizes, homemade jam or chutney and bottles for our popular ‘pick a bottle’ stall. In advance of the event we’re also keen to receive any new or designer good quality clothing, bags, accessories and jewellery.”

For questions about terminal illness call the Marie Curie Support Line on 0800 090 2309 or visit mariecurie.org.uk/help