I've signed up. What happens now?
Once registered, the person who booked the tickets will receive an email confirmation with more information, followed by regular fundraising and event information emails including important details about the day of the event. Information will be sent to the email address you provided when you registered for the event. If this has changed, please contact us on the details below.
How will I receive my t-shirt?
You’re invited to collect your free Starlight Hike t-shirt at our collection events. Details of the dates, times and locations of these will be emailed to you. Your walker number and dedication sign will also be available to collect with at these events.
If you cannot attend one of these collection events you will be able to pick up your t-shirt on the night.
How will I receive my walker number and dedication sign?
You are invited to collect your walker number and dedication sign at one of our t-shirt collection events. Details of the dates, times and locations of these will be emailed to you
If you cannot attend one of the collection events, your walker number and dedication sign will be posted to the address of the person who ordered the tickets. We send these items in the post so you can complete the emergency contact information on the back of your walker number and decorate your dedication sign (should you wish to). Please remember to bring these with you on the night.
What are the timings for the event*?
- 5.15pm – Parking opens.
- 5.30pm – Registration open and entertainment commences.
- 7.00pm – Walks starts.
- 11.00pm – Event site closes.
*These timings are subject to change.
What facilities are available and is there parking?
Yes, parking will be available on a first come first served basis. Full details and maps of parking locations will be made available in advance and included in your electronic event pack. There are toilets available at the event site.
Find the event location on what3words
Is this walk suitable for pushchairs, wheelchairs and other mobility vehicles?
The walk route is suitable and accessible for all, but the parking area is a flat grass field, so please be aware of this if you are using a pushchair, wheelchair or other mobility vehicles. Please email stjohns.events@sueryder.org or call 01767 642 412 if you require further information.
What emergency contact information do I need to provide?
To take part in the event, you are required to provide (at the time of booking) an emergency contact name and number. This MUST be someone who is NOT attending the event with you and CANNOT be yourself. Please make sure you input this information correctly when entering online as this information will be used in the event of an accident or emergency on the night.
This also MUST be someone over the age of 18 years, in the UK on the day of the event and contactable by phone.
Where does the event start from?
The walk will start from Everards Meadow, Longholme Way, MK42 0BX. You can find the event location on what3words and it will be signposted.
There will be pre-walk entertainment and music to enjoy and get the party started, from various performers.
Where does the route go and what is the distance?
Our route is 5k or 10k, the choice is yours. The route follows a paved footpath around Russell Park and along the Embankment in Bedford. You can choose to walk 5k or go around again for 10k.
How long will the walk take?
The walk offers a 5k or 10k route and on average will take approximately one to two and half hours from the time you depart the start line, depending on the speed you walk.
Please note that this is only an average time and many walkers have taken longer depending on their mobility around the course and whether they take the 5k or 10k route. Our back markers will follow up behind the last walker and normally finish in under 3 hours.
Please also factor in your arrival time to check in as well as time to soak up the entertainment before you depart. This is not included in the average walk time.
Are children allowed to enter the walk?
Yes, children are permitted to walk but must be accompanied by a legal parent or guardian at all times. Everyone taking part in the walk must complete the registration process, be that online or on the day. Please note, as the route is on public footpaths, bikes and scooters are not permitted. Children’s buggies are, however, permitted.
Are dogs allowed at the event?
Yes, we allow dogs to join in the fun and encourage you to involve them in the event with flashing accessories so other walkers and road users can see them in the dark. We ask that dogs are kept on the lead at ALL times without exception and are NOT left tied up anywhere unattended. We also ask that you carry bags and pick up anything after your dog.
What do I need to do on arrival?
Sign in as directed in the registration tent. It is very important you do sign in so we know you are taking part and have arrived, especially so we have a record in the unlikely event of an emergency.
You will need to sign in at the relevant desk and collect your t-shirt and walker number if you don’t already have them. When you have signed in, please feel free to head toward where the stage and entertainment will be located. Refreshments and merchandise will also be available to purchase.
What do I need to bring with me?
Detailed information about what to bring with you will be sent to you in advance. Please, however, do make sure you remember to bring your walker number with you to registration, if you have already collected it.
Please also come dressed appropriately for the weather, especially as it will be October, and wear good walking shoes/footwear. Although the route will be lit with street lighting, some areas will be darker, so it is advisable to wear bright clothing, flashing items and bring a torch along with you.
What about merchandise - will there be any available to purchase?
Yes, there will be a selection of flashing items you can purchase on the evening.
Will any food and drink be provided or available to purchase?
Yes refreshments will be available to purchase at the start or end of the walk in the event site. We do advise that you bring some water with you as well as any other supplies you may require if you have allergies or special dietary requirements.
Do I need to raise any sponsorship to take part?
Our suggested sponsorship target is £100 per adult, which could pay for three hours of expert care from a Sue Ryder Nurse. But we encourage you to raise as much as you can and we’ll support you every step of the way. By taking part and raising sponsorship you’ll help ensure more people receive the expert care and support they deserve.
You’ll be able to set up an online JustGiving fundraising page after you’ve completed the online registration. We can also help with providing collection tins and any other fundraising items. If you would like any help with your fundraising, just get in touch with the fundraising team on the details below.
Email us at stjohns.events@sueryder.org or call 01767 642 412.
Do I need to bring any proof of entry with me or show an email on my phone?
No – all entries made online will be entered onto sign-in sheets and you will need to sign in on your arrival, so we are aware you have arrived.
Can I sign up on the day?
Yes, on-the-day registration is permitted but we encourage you to enter online so we can provide you with all the relevant information and support in advance If you are planning on registering on the night please note that on-the-day registration incurs an additional charge, and we recommend you arrive early to avoid any queues and make the most of the pre-event entertainment.
Will there be photos available from the event?
Photos will be taken at the event and we will share a link to an online Facebook album post event. We also encourage people to take their own photos and selfies using the hashtag #StarlightHike.
Please note: We will endeavour not to share any images of children aged 16 and under without the express permission of a parent or guardian.
What is the refund policy?
Participants must pay a non-refundable, non-transferable entry fee at the time of registering. The amount of the entry fee will be confirmed on the Sue Ryder's webpage for the event.
Where the event is postponed or cancelled, participants shall be entitled to defer their entry to when the event next takes place or (subject to availability) transfer to an alternative Sue Ryder fundraising event. If there is no deferred or suitable alternative event you will be entitled to a refund of any entry fee you have paid.
How are donations spent?
When you make a donation to Sue Ryder, your money will be spent wherever the need is greatest, giving us the flexibility to provide our services across the UK. If you specifically want your donation to be spent on a particular service, please provide clear instructions in writing with your donation or contact our Supporter Care team to let them know. Call 020 7554 5985 or email supportercare@sueryder.org
What are the full event terms and conditions?
These are available online and on request and must be read before entering so you are fully aware of the event terms and conditions prior to registering.
How can I contact the organiser with any questions?
Please email stjohns.events@sueryder.org or call 01767 642 412 if you have any further questions about this event. A member of the fundraising team will be more than happy to speak to you about any queries.
