People are being urged to brave a night on the cold, hard floor to raise funds for homelessness.

The Alabaré Big Sleep event will take place at Salisbury Cathedral on Friday, March 28, 2025.

This will be the 17th year that the event has taken place.

The event, hosted by Salisbury-based charity Alabaré, aims to raise awareness about homelessness by challenging participants to spend the night sleeping rough.

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By experiencing the harsh elements for one night, the event seeks to give a glimpse into the struggles faced by those without a home.

The funds raised during this year's sleep-out will go towards Alabaré's Somewhere to Go project in Salisbury.

This project is a crucial support system for those who are homeless or at risk, providing drop-in advice, hot meals, showers and assistance with finding accommodation and further support.

Rebecca Mullen, Alabaré's events manager, said: "Our Big Sleep at Salisbury Cathedral promises to be a powerful, reflective and humbling experience.

"As you bed down for the night, you’ll be reminded of the reality faced by those who are homeless every day.

"For participants, it’s one night; in the morning, you can go home to warmth and comfort. But for so many, this is not the case."

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The event is open to all, including school pupils, businesses and longstanding supporters.

There will be team games and competitions during the night to keep spirits high.

Participants are encouraged to flaunt their best-dressed sleeping bags on social media, with prizes up for grabs.

The Fijian Assembly of God Church Choir will also make a return, with participants invited to join in their singing and dancing in the aisles of the cloisters.

Rebecca added: "We are very grateful to those companies that support this event through sponsorship so that all the money donated goes towards our homeless work.

"This is our 17th year sleeping out at Salisbury Cathedral.

"We hope local companies and residents will make 2025 the year they join us in supporting those facing hardship and crisis.

"Together, as a community, we can make a difference."

Alabaré asks each big sleeper to pledge to raise at least £125 per person in sponsorship, or £60 for those under 18 years of age.

Those interested can sign up by visiting the Alabaré website.

In return for their commitment, participants will gain insight into the lives of those the charity helps, hearing stories from individuals whose lives have been transformed by Alabaré's 78 homes and services across the south west.