Spectacular night of fireworks

On Saturday 4th November the Sussex Cricket Foundation welcomed staff and sponsors from local hospice charity Martlets to The 1st Central County Ground for a night of spectacular fireworks, to celebrate a partnership which has raised vital funds for both organisations.

The partnership kicked off back in September 2023 when The 1st Central County Ground became home to Shaun’s Neon Car Wash.

The home of the Sussex Sharks was one of 40 locations across Brighton and Hove that had its own individually designed sheep, which was part of the Shaun the Sheep Art Trail.

With the sheep now set to depart from the ground before being auctioned off at the end of the month for vital funds, Martlets staff and supporters were invited to Fireworks Night at Sussex to celebrate the partnership and thank those who do so much for hospice care in our city.

The Shaun by the Sea Sponsors and Hospice staff were treated to a VIP reception and enjoyed food and drinks in a private hospitality area for the display.

Speaking on a special night, Tanya Hunt, Income Generation Director from Martlets said: “It was a brilliant way to mark the end of our Shaun by the Sea Trail, and the fantastic partnership we have built with all at Sussex Cricket Foundation.

“If you have missed seeing Shaun’s Neon Car Wash at the County Ground, there’s still time to see all the Shauns at our Farewell Event 24 – 26 November at Brighton Centre.”

Gary Wallis-Tayler, Community Cricket Director for the Sussex Cricket Foundation added: “We have been delighted to support Martlets and their Shaun by the Sea Trail over the last few months.

“Not only has it driven visitors to The 1st Central County Ground but is also helped build a long-lasting relationship between the Foundation and the team at Martlets, who do an amazing job in providing care for the terminally ill.

“Supporting our local community is extremely important to us and I hope Martlets raise plenty of money at their ‘farewell event’ later this month.”

Make sure you take your selfies with our Shaun, upload them to social media and tag @SussexCricketFd and @martletshospice to be in with a chance of winning a T20 Sussex Sharks shirt, signed by the entire team!

You can find out more about Martlets by visiting their website.

And to find out more about the Sussex Cricket Foundation, please click here.