A Bicester-based cancer support charity is inviting local residents to don their best vintage attire and step back in time this spring, as it marks a poignant historical milestone with a 1940s-themed fundraising evening.
The Hummingbird Centre, located in Launton near Bicester, is hosting a 1940s Party Night on Friday 16th May, to commemorate 80 years since the end of the Second World War. The event promises an evening of live music, nostalgic food, and vintage fashion, all in the spirit of supporting local people living with cancer.
Held at Highfield Social Club on George Street, the event will run from 8pm to midnight, featuring entertainment from popular vintage duo Sparky and Sprite (main image). Guests can expect to enjoy the timeless tunes of Nat King Cole, join in sing-alongs to wartime classics like Knees Up Mother Brown, and sample themed treats, including Spam-based delicacies courtesy of Bicester Bean Café.
Organisers are encouraging guests to embrace the spirit of the decade by dressing in 1940s fashion. Expect to see wide-legged trousers, utility suits, seamed stockings, and bolero jackets taking centre stage, as attendees celebrate an era known for its resilience and distinctive style.
Supporting Local Families Affected by Cancer
Founded in 2014, The Hummingbird Centre provides free cancer support services to individuals and families across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, and Berkshire. Their services range from complementary therapies and counselling to children’s support and a dedicated Lymphoedema Clinic.
The event is generously sponsored by Huber+Suhner (UK) Ltd, a Bicester-based company whose backing ensures 100% of the funds raised will directly support the centre’s work. Mark Phillips, the company’s Supply Chain Manager and Corporate Responsibility lead, said:
We are really happy to provide our support to The Hummingbird Centre as we believe it offers a great service to both people directly suffering from cancer but also their friends and family, who are also affected.”
Mechelle Harris, founder of The Hummingbird Centre, said she’s looking forward to welcoming the local community:
This event is going to be great fun, not only is it a fantastic opportunity to dress up in 1940s fashions, but there will be fantastic entertainment from Sparky and Sprite and we can’t wait to see what Aly and Bicester Bean café cook up for us.
“Please come along and enjoy the fun and help us raise money to keep our vital work at The Hummingbird Centre going for the people who need our support.”
Tickets are priced at £15 and are available now via thehummingbirdcentre.org.uk website.
About The Hummingbird Centre
The Hummingbird Centre was established following a promise made by founder Mechelle Harris to her late father, Raymond Hurcombe, to turn family loss into something positive for the wider community. Since then, it has supported thousands of people and relies entirely on donations and volunteers to remain open.
The centre is open Tuesday to Friday, from 10am to 4pm, and welcomes anyone affected by cancer. Their message is simple: “If you can get to us, we’ll support you.”
