Bury St Edmunds’ arc Shopping Centre to hold fairy tale-themed event to raise awareness of Gatehouse services

A shopping centre in Bury St Edmunds is to hold a fairy tale-themed event to raise awareness of a charity’s vital services.

The second installment of arc Shopping Centre’s A Bury Beautiful World series, Goldilocks and The Three Chairs, will return on August 31 from 11am to 3pm to support Gatehouse’s Home Store, with the charity loaning some pre-loved chairs for the day.

Children and families will have the opportunity meet Goldilocks in Charter Square and have pictures taken with her and the three chairs.

There will also be a bear-themed face painter and bear-ear-making workshops.

East Anglian author Chris Dixon, will be performing readings of his book, ‘That’s Okay’, which explores children’s complex emotions.

Chris Dixon said his book is all about teaching children that it is okay to have different feelings.

He added: “It’s okay to be happy and excited, but it’s also ok to be angry or upset. I found getting to understand that myself did wonders for my own mental health issues.”

Gatehouse is a charity that understands the toll that mental health can have on the most vulnerable in the local community, providing vital food bank services, community lunches and free mindfulness courses.

CEO Amanda Bloomfield said: “We feel that it is important to work with our clients on their mental well-being, providing emotional support is as key to their physical health as the practical and financial help that we provide. We are grateful to the arc team for all their support in raising awareness of our services.”

Shoppers will be invited to bring along their favourite teddy as well as a picnic blanket to get involved with the fun.

Alongside Goldilocks, there will also be the return of the popular pop-up beach in collaboration with the Our Bury St Edmunds Food and Drink Festival. This will also be held in Charter Square and will be open to the public from August 27 until September 3.

Allan Hassell, centre manager for arc, said: “We’re delighted to be supporting Gatehouse by raising awareness of their marvellous charity, whilst also providing some fun entertainment for children and families during the school holidays.

“Gatehouse provides exceptional support to families in need and with the current cost of living crisis the help they provide is crucial.”

arc Shopping Centre is asking visitors for a small donation to Gatehouse to take part in the face painting and bear ear making workshop, which can be made on the day.