THREE local charities are combining to stage an open-air summer event in Taunton next month.

The League of Friends of Musgrove Park Hospital, the Wellington-based dementia charity Reminiscence Learning, and the breast cancer community support group Taunton and Somerset Breast Friends will be taking over part of Taunton’s High Street on June 25 starting at 6.30pm for a hog roast and musical evening.

150 tickets are available for the event on a first come, first served basis.

Former BBC TV correspondent Clinton Rogers, and president of the League of Friends of Musgrove Park Hospital and an ambassador for Reminiscence Learning, said: “We are really hoping people come. It promises to be a fun evening and clearly it is to help three incredibly worthwhile causes.

“Raising money gets harder every year and we know there are lots of demands on people’s money. But we hope this fun event will attract a lot of support and raise a lot of money.”

Wellington-based Reminiscence Learning is a regional and national award winning charity, specialising in dementia care, activity and reminiscence. The charity runs activity sessions and training workshops that are professional and educational, yet fun and practical.

The League of Friends of Musgrove Park Hospital has donated more than a million pounds to Musgrove Park Hospital in the last year alone, including more than £800,000 for a state-of-the-art spinal surgery robot.

Taunton and Somerset Breast Friends Support Group, founded by Heather Lamont, is a community for individuals who have at some point in their lives been diagnosed with breast cancer.

The group provides a safe space, where people of all backgrounds can share their experiences within a local support network.

Heather said: “We are really looking forward to working with the other two local charities to make this event a success.”

Chief executive and founder of the charity, Fiona Mahoney, said: “This is one of our big fundraising events and we hope local people turn out to support it. I think the High Street will be buzzing on the night.”

Musical entertainment will be provided by Somerset duo E.L.M (Easy Listening Music), who specialise in music from the 60s, 70s and 80s.

There will also be a raffle with some great prizes, and a charity auction, with prizes including a hospitality box for 20 people at a Somerset County Cricket match, donated by Cooper Associates, and a weekend in a holiday cottage.

The event is being hosted by Colin Barrell, owner of Mr Miles Team Room in Taunton. He commented: “It is going to be a great evening. Good food and good entertainment and a free glass of Prosecco when you arrive. We have a vegetarian option too.

“The event is being held under canvas so not even rain on the night will affect us.”

Tickets are £35 a head and can be bought by calling 01823 668676 or email: [email protected] or book via the event page at www.reminiscencelearning.co.uk/events