Dreamnight Returns to Drusillas!

On Thursday evening, under warm skies and sunshine that stretched late into the day, a Sussex attraction was transformed into something truly magical. Laughter echoed through the air as Drusillas Park opened its gates after hours for Dreamnight - a very special free event dedicated exclusively to children with life-limiting illnesses and disabilities, and their families.

Over the past few months, Drusillas has been working hard with over 50 Sussex charities, including Chestnut Tree House, Amaze Sussex, Children with Cancer Fund, and WOLO, to allocate free tickets for Dreamnight to hundreds of families who would ordinarily find a day out impossible.

Yesterday, the big night arrived and over 700 VIP guests, who might not usually be able to visit the Park, streamed through the gates to explore, play, and enjoy everything Drusillas has to offer.

The zoo was buzzing with excitement as guests came face-to-face with some of the 80 animal species, while dedicated keepers were on hand to answer every curious “why?” along the way. Laughter and squeals of delight filled the air as families enjoyed unlimited access to the rides and play areas throughout the evening - all made possible by the Drusillas team, who generously volunteered their own time.

But that wasn’t all! Thanks to a host of kind suppliers, Drusillas was able offer plenty of extra feel-good fun for the very special guests. Including the chance to meet Gully the Brighton & Hove  Albion mascot, thanks to a kind donation from the local Football Club, allowing children to share a hug or a ‘high five’ with the giant seagull. And for those who preferred fairies to football, children’s entertainer Crazy Beanz was spreading smiles throughout the Park with bubbles, laughter, and plenty of magical fun for the little ones.

There were also dozens of adorable four-legged friends that all the guests loved petting and playing with from Pets as Therapy Dogs, accessible sports workshops organised by the lovely Defiant Sports, a chance to meet a real-life police officer and sit in a Police car, thanks to Sussex Police, and the extremely popular Toy Tombola - where everyone was a winner thanks to prizes donated by Allsorted Books, Ravensden, Keel, Puckator, Ark Toys, and Kayes of Cardiff.

Delicious BBQ food, tasty treats, and yummy cakes kept all the guests’ tummies full - courtesy of Rollover, Bidfood, Hancocks Confectionary, Chefs Pantry, Wholesome Foods, STR Refrigeration, Walls, Consort, Fountain & Sons; and no-one went thirsty thanks to Ninju donating refreshing drinks.

Drusillas Managing Director, Cassie Poland said: “We were thrilled to be able to host another  Dreamnight, and it did not disappoint; the atmosphere was very special. It means so much to everyone on the Drusillas team to be able to share some of the Park’s magic with children and families who are unable to visit us usually.”

She continued, “One of our priorities is to make Drusillas as accessible to all as possible. We understand that for some families a visit during our usual operating hours is impossible. So, to be able to welcome them to a dedicated night, designed just for them, is something we’re thrilled to be able to offer.  

It’s such a wonderful night which all our staff really love. We even had the most wonderful weather this year, so all our VIPs were able to enjoy everything the Park has to offer on a dry, warm evening. It was a truly unforgettable evening that staff and all our guests really enjoyed.”

Dreamnight was ‘dreamt up’ by a zookeeper from Rotterdam Zoo back in 1996. He wanted to make zoos more accessible for children who need special care, or can’t be exposed to large crowds. Since then, it has grown into a hugely successful worldwide event that means the world to the families invited.

One Dreamnight guest said, “We had an amazing time and the staff were so helpful and kind throughout what must have been a long day for them. It really was memorable and well organised and very special for the children.”

Another guest who attended with her children, added, “Our daughter was diagnosed with brain cancer last year and we haven't visited Drusillas for a long time, so she was absolutely ecstatic to enjoy a fun evening. She came away feeling special and had the biggest smile on her face.”

Finally, another guest went on to say: “Everyone works so hard at making sure everyone has a great time, it’s just so wonderful and we are very grateful. Being able to do things with your disabled young person that other families can take for granted and not being stared at or judged is amazing! It’s so lovely to see so many other families having such a good time too!”