In preparation for Cats Protection Wales’ upcoming Halloween Hoedown, I had the pleasure to talk with the community fundraising officer Alan Drury, who has shared new insight into the charity’s plans for the seasonal celebration. The event, which marks a brand‑new addition to the charity’s fundraising calendar, blends Halloween festivities with country‑style entertainment to raise vital funds for cats and kittens across Wales.
A New Event With a Country Twist
Taking inspiration from the centre manager’s enthusiasm for line dancing and the convenient timing at the end of October, the Halloween Hoedown will offer a varied programme throughout the evening. Attendees can join a beginner‑friendly line dancing session, take part in Halloween‑themed bingo, enjoy live country music performed by the popular Jukebox Country Duo, and support Cats Protection through a fundraising raffle.
The event is aimed primarily at adults aged 18 and over, offering the chance to enjoy an alcoholic or non‑alcoholic drink and dance the night away. Children under 18 may attend but must be accompanied by a paying adult.
Venue and Accessibility
The event will take place on the 30th of October at the Tondu Railway Club, a venue located close to the Cats Protection centre and one that has supported the charity through previous events. Drury noted,
“It’s nice to be able to work with a venue that is so supportive of us as a charity and the local community.”
The club is fully accessible, offering disabled parking, accessible entrances and toilets to ensure all supporters can enjoy the evening comfortably.
Tickets are priced at £10 per person, with limited spaces available both inside the venue and within the surrounding parking areas. Supporters are encouraged to book early to secure their place at this spooky soirée.
Tickets can be purchased at: https://www.cats.org.uk/HalloweenHoedown
Impact of Event on the Charity
When asked how funds raised from the Hoedown will support the charity, Drury explained:
“The funds raised from this event will help to support our work to find new forever homes for cats and kittens in our care as well as helping to fund our other vital services such as lifeline and our cat guardian scheme.”
He emphasised the importance of community fundraising for the future of Cats Protection’s work across Wales.
With a positive response already building ahead of the event, Drury encourages supporters old and new to join what he describes as “a fun‑filled evening of music and entertainment”, adding that he hopes the Halloween Hoedown will become an annual fixture every October.
