Bitterne Park businesses are joining forces this October for a two-day ‘Pink Weekend’ to raise money and awareness for charity Maggie’s Southampton, and its support for local people and their families.
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Taking place on the weekend of October 10 and 11, organisers say the Pink Weekend will bring together Little Hair Co, The Pink Olive and Comptons Cocktails, alongside local performers, businesses and the wider community.
William Smith blow-dries a customer's hair ahead of a 12-hour fundraiser. Photo: supplied
The weekend has been organised by local business owner and hairdresser William Smith, who now runs Little Hair Co in the Triangle.
Little Hair at Bitterne Park Triangle
The cause has become particularly personal for him.
After almost two decades working as a hairdresser, William says he’s supported many clients as they have faced cancer diagnoses and treatment.
More recently, cancer has come much closer to home, with two members of his family being diagnosed with two different cancers within the same week.
"Incredible support from Maggie's"
Both family members have since spoken about the incredible support they have received from Maggie’s, strengthening William’s determination to give something back to the charity.
“Cancer is something I’ve sadly seen affect so many people over the years, particularly through my work as a hairdresser,” said William.
“When you spend years looking after people, they become much more than clients. People sit in your chair and tell you about some of the happiest moments of their lives, but also some of the most frightening.”
William says the cause became particularly personal when two members of his family were diagnosed with different cancers in the same week. Hearing first-hand how much support Maggie’s had provided brought home to him how important the charity is.
“There are moments when someone tells you they have cancer and you simply don’t know what to say or how to make things better. Knowing that Maggie’s is there, providing that care, understanding and support, is something I’ve relied upon when clients have shared what they are going through too. I know they are in safe hands.
“That’s why I want us to do something big. I want to bring our businesses, performers, customers, friends, families and the whole community together and raise as much money and awareness for Maggie’s as we possibly can.”
A 12-hour blow-dry marathon
At the heart of the weekend will be a 12-hour non-stop blow-dry marathon at Little Hair Co on the Sunday (October 11).
William is set to spend 12 hours behind the chair blow-drying clients back-to-back, with appointments pre-booked and 100% of donations from the blow-dries going directly to Maggie’s.
Organiser William Smith. Photo: supplied
And he says the fundraising will spread across Bitterne Park Triangle throughout the weekend.
Next door, The Pink Olive will be serving a special pink brunch and pink cakes, with proceeds supporting Maggie’s, while over the road, Comptons Cocktails will launch a special Pink Cocktail Menu, with a percentage of proceeds also being donated.
House of Splatter will bring community art to the event across both Saturday and Sunday, and Anthony Nichols, owner of The Butcher’s Hook, has pledged to dye his hair pink to raise money for the charity – with others also being asked to get involved with similar fundraising.
Publicity materials for the Pink Weekend featuring Anthony from the Butcher's Hook
“Why did I decide to do it? Er... Because Will asked,” Anthony said. “And also why not if it will raise some money for a great charity! I think my daughters will be chuffed too.
“Me less so,” he confided.
There will also be live entertainment across the weekend, with Flores, Eva Iglesias and Adriana Sabotinova performing on Saturday (Oct 10), followed by TJ Quinn and Ibiza Sounds on Sunday (Oct 11).
“We want to turn the Triangle pink”
More activities and announcements are expected as the Pink Weekend approaches, and organisers are encouraging local residents to wear pink throughout, bring their friends and families, and help transform Bitterne Park Triangle into a celebration of the work Maggie’s does.
“Whether you book a blow-dry, buy a pink cake, have brunch, enjoy a pink cocktail, listen to the live music, make a donation or simply come along dressed in pink to show your support, you’re part of it,” said William.
Donations can be made through William’s official Maggie’s fundraising page:
Event publicity:
