One of the city centre’s freshest greenspaces is preparing to do its bit for charity as a new fundraising event jumps into action this weekend.
Big Bounce at Bon Accord will take place within the roof garden above the St Nicholas Centre from 10am to 6pm this Saturday and Sunday (June 25-26).
The garden, which last year saw over £200,000 worth of improvements made to it, will see a total of eight inflatables installed throughout the course of the weekend, with the shopping centre appealing for both kids and big kids to join it on the day.
Raising funds for both CLAN Cancer Support and Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital Charity, attendees will be able to purchase tokens on the day for use of the inflatables, with all profits raised being split between both causes. The event also falls under the UK-wide One Great Day initiative.
As well as the inflatables, a range of pop-up food and drink retailers will also be present within the garden over the weekend, with The Deesidedly Tasty Company showcasing its produce and samples from Ed’s Easy Diner available to attendees. A hot dog cart, ice cream van, a mobile pizza oven and Frappuccinos by Starbucks will also be available. Music and various children’s entertainment will also be on show throughout the course of the weekend, making it perfect for families of all ages.
The event will also welcome a special guest on the Saturday; nine-year-old Alfie Milne. In 2008, Alfie was diagnosed with lymphangiomatosis; an extremely rare and incurable disease of the lymphatic system causing tumours to spread throughout the body.
Alfie is the only known child in Scotland to have been diagnosed with the disease and, with the rarity of his illness, has found it difficult to receive help in the north-east of Scotland. Since his diagnosis, he has been receiving treatment and support from Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital in London, travelling 600 miles every six months for check-ups.
Craig Stevenson, centre manager at Bon Accord & St Nicholas, said: “The countdown to Big Bounce at Bon Accord is well and truly underway with the event’s preparations into their final stages; we’re all really looking forward to welcoming people to the garden this Saturday and Sunday.
“Alongside the eight inflatables, we’re going to have a range of food and tasters as well as music and children’s entertainment; there really will be something for all ages. Although fun is definitely the name of the game, we also want to help raise funds for two worthy charities and appreciate any help from the public in doing this.
“There has been quite a bit of interest both online and in the centre itself from people looking to attend so let’s hope the sun shines and we have a weekend to remember!”
Susan Crighton, CLAN’s fundraising manager, said: “We’ve been looking forward to Big Bounce at Bon Accord for weeks and we’re excited to be heading along to do our bit for the fundraising effort. With bouncy castles, pizzas, ice cream and more, it’s shaping up to be a brilliant family day out and we would be delighted to welcome you.
“CLAN provides free support services to anyone affected by cancer of all ages across north and north-east of Scotland so your support of this event will make a massive difference to us. If you can spare half an hour on either Saturday or Sunday and can come down, we’d be thrilled to see you there.”
Big Bounce at Bon Accord will take place on the weekend of June 25-26 from 10am until 6pm within the Roof Garden above the St Nicholas Centre. Individuals will be able to purchase tokens on the day for £1 each which can be swapped for time on the inflatables installed within the garden itself.
For more information, please visit www.bonaccordandstnicholas.com or the dedicated event page on Facebook.