Hundreds of people have explored a Hampshire theme park after hours to raise money for good causes.
Paultons Park, in Ower, opened its grounds for a special charity evening on Thursday, September 12.
Attendees were able to explore the grounds of the park and speak with staff members about gardening and landscaping, as well as enjoy a few of the rides.
The evening took place to raise money for the park's main charity partners, Lymphoma UK, Young Lives vs Cancer, and Southampton Children’s Hospital.
James Mancey, deputy managing director of Paultons Park, said: “We think it’s gone really well. It is lovely to invite people into the park who perhaps haven’t been here for a while or have different preconceptions of the park.
“We’ve had some great conversations with the guests here this evening, and we’re having a fabulous time and really exceeding their expectations with the quality of our gardens and attractions; that’s a really nice feeling, and it is wonderful to be able to do that while supporting our charity partners.”
He continued: “We are passionate about supporting these causes, they are close to our heart for various reasons, and we’re proud of the work we are able to do with them. All three of the charities here tonight have great people working for them; they’re fabulous causes and anything we can do to help them and the people who benefit from them, we can’t do enough.
“It is extremely important to support them, and a large part of what we do we strive to do as part of our Paultons Promise work in the community.”
James said that, depending on how much money the open evening was able to raise for the charities, more open events might be held in the future.
Several attendees enjoyed exploring the park in a more relaxed setting.
Anna Hales, who attended the event with her parents Julie and John, said: “It is beautiful.”
John added: “We came here when it first opened (back in the 1980s).
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“The grounds look amazing. It is nice that this is a charity thing, and the variety of trees is amazing, and the upkeep they’ve done is fantastic.”
Maureen and Katrina Stone were joined by their friend Brenda O’Neill. Maureen said that she and Brenda could remember having to stay at the old Paultons Estate during the Second World War after a bomb fell near Ower, saying: “It is lovely coming back.”
Katrina said: “It is perfect to come and have a look around.”
To see more photos from the open evening, click the image at the top of the page.
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