What is 'Hug-Many'?

Ian Andrew, a former partner at Michael James Insurance, now Aston Lark, who insure many of the businesses in The Pantiles and in Tunbridge Wells, walked out on to The Pantiles one New Year's Eve a few years ago and noticed it was completely empty. He had the idea to have a party for the town for people of all ages to celebrate together and on this one special day to raise as much money as he could for local cancer charities.

His idea was for everyone to have a wonderful time together, to make new friends, and leave knowing they have done some good for many people who are in a less fortunate position.

He came up with the name 'Hug-Many' (a play on the Scottish word for New Year`s Eve, Hogmanay) as the event was for everyone and to help those in need.

Polly Taylor at the local charity, The Pickering Cancer Drop-in Centre, told Ian that the thing most people wanted if they discovered they may have cancer, was a 'Hug' and an offer of support and that his idea of 'Hug-Many' encapsulated that....and 'Hug-Many' was born.

The live bands, the DJ with a laser light show, the countdown clock, and the finale with the piper, and the enormous firework display over the Pantiles along with all the cafes and restaurants being open are what has made this such a fantastic event for Tunbridge Wells. 

Who is 'Hug-Many' for?

'Hug-Many' is a family-friendly event on the Pantiles in Tunbridge Wells and is open to all.

The aim is to celebrate in style in Kent/Sussex's largest public New Year's Eve event while raising money for local charities. 

Donation: £10 per adult plus 50p fee to cover PayPal costs

There is no charge for badges for children under 12, but if you would like to give a donation for children under 16 at 'Hug-Many' on New Year's Eve it would be so very much appreciated by our charities. Thank you.

The idea behind 'Hug-Many' is simple

For many people with a terminal illness, a hug can make all the difference.  So Hug-Many invites you to see in the New Year sharing as many hugs as possible - while having a great time and raising money for three amazing local charities.  

The Pickering Cancer Drop-in Centre

The Centre supports anyone who is touched by cancer: patients, their family, friends and carers.  The self-funding registered charity was established by a group of cancer patients, who recognised the need for somewhere to go to relax and talk with others in a similar situation. They also realised that families, friends and carers need a place to find information and talk freely, without burdening the patient or each other. The aim is to help and support anyone going through the emotional upset of cancer, from diagnosis onwards, be they patients, their partners, children, friends or carers. www.pickeringcancercentre.org.uk

Follow our updates on Facebook and on Twitter PickeringCancer
 

Trinity Theatre 

 A venue for music, films, theatre and comedy in the heart of Tunbridge Wells 

Our mission is to advance education in the Arts and to provide facilities in the interests of social and cultural welfare for recreation and leisure-time occupation and in particular to promote Drama, Music, other Performing Arts and the Arts generally for the benefit of the inhabitants of Tunbridge Wells and the surrounding area

https://www.trinitytheatre.net/

Keep Trinity in your timeline on Facebook Trinity Theatre and on twitter @trinitytheatre

Nourish Community Foodbank 

Nourish is a registered charity that provides short-term emergency provisions, support and signposting in a crisis to individuals and families within the borough of Tunbridge Wells, South Tonbridge and the surrounding areas.

Our mission is that "no-one need go hungry in Tunbridge Wells and the surrounding areas"

https://www.nourishcommunityfoodbank.org.uk/

Keep Nourish in your timeline on Facebook Nourish Community Foodbank and on twitter @nourishfoodbank