BSS-2

Calcutta Rescue Fund

Health, Education and Hope

The Big Street Sleep 2

& Kali’s farewell fete

04/09/10 Piccadilly, London

Last year's street sleep was such an unexpected success that we have decided to do an even bigger and better one this September - and it's not too late to join in! This is your chance to take part in an unforgettable night-out in the heart of historic London for a very worthwhile cause. And we have organised a fantastic fete on the Saturday night for you - starring Indian music legend Biddu, dance and music performances by the Federation for Indian Arts and much more - see below.

Based on the experiences of people taking part last year the sponsored sleep-out is not just a great way to raise money but a really enjoyable event. They don't just say that, more than half of them have already signed up to do it again!

We are delighted to have been invited to hold this year’s sleep-out in the grounds of one of the capital’s most beautiful and famous churches, St James’s Piccadilly, on Saturday, September 4. The church, situated just yards from Piccadilly Circus, was designed by Sir Christopher Wren, and is famous for its musical events.

(Click for map >>)

The tranquil garden, where the sleep-out will be held, is currently home to a contemporary sculpture of the goddess Kali by Indian artist Bharti Kher. Where better then to hold an event to help the poorest people of Kolkata?

Supporter Sarah Cavanagh who took in last years event with her son Oliver said: “The Big Street Sleep was one of the highlights of last year. I wanted to become involved in CR again and this seemed the perfect opportunity. My son Oliver (now seven) absolutely loved it and is still talking about. We were totally overwhelmed by the generosity of our sponsors. It really restored our faith that, even in the middle of a recession, so many people still cared and were interested in CR. Would we do it again? Just try stopping us. This year we will be bringing our daughter, Amber, who is four. Join us.”

Kali’s Farewell Fete in the Secret Garden

On the Saturday evening, starting at 6pm we are organising a superb fete. The theme for the event is the fact that a massive statue of Kali, created by leading Indian sculptor Bharti Kher, is being lifted by crane out of the garden where we will be sleeping the following day.

Legendary Indian-British musician and music producer, Biddu, who has sold over 38 million records and is a long-term supporter of Calcutta Rescue has agreed to make a rare performance.

His extraordinary career has ranged from Kung Fu Fighting in the 70s to working with Alisha Chinai on Made in India, the top selling Indian dance album in the mid 90s.

There will also be performances of Rabindranath Tagore’s poetry and dance organised by the Federation for Indian Arts – a curtain raiser for next year’s 150th anniversary celebrations of the cultural icon’s birth.

We will be running a chai and sweet stall and a stall selling Calcutta Rescue’s wonderful Fairtrade handicrafts which make great presents (think ahead for Christmas, birthdays etc). On top of that there will be a raffle with superb prizes.

(download Kali’s Farewell Fete poster >>)

Finally, all our sponsored sleepers will get a delicious free Indian meal.

If you are taking part in the sleep-out, or a Calcutta Rescue supporter, and you would like to bring along family or friends to this exclusive event please email their names to enquiry@calcuttarescue.org.uk ASP as space is strictly limited and only those on our guest list will be admitted.

If you can not take part but would still like to support the event please visit our Justgiving donations page: www.justgiving.com/calcuttarescue

www.justgiving.com/thebigstreetsleep