BIG Sleep returning to Salisbury Cathedral in aid of ALABARÉ

ALABARÉ’s BIG Sleep at Salisbury Cathedral is back, and the city-based charity is asking the community to join them on Friday, 13th March 2026.

BIG Sleep participants can sleep out in the historic cloisters to raise vital funds and awareness for those experiencing homelessness in Salisbury and across the South West. 

Every night, 350,000 people across the UK go to sleep without a home. You can help change that. 

ALABARÉ has held their BIG Sleep at Salisbury Cathedral since 2007 – and every year has been an unforgettable evening of solidarity and hope.

Participants will enjoy live music from a local band, a calming sound bath, inspiring stories from people ALABARÉ has supported, a special talk from Salisbury Cathedral, and refreshments throughout the night.

By taking part, you’ll help ALABARÉ provide homes, restore hearts, and empower minds – through safe accommodation, mental health support, and pathways to independence for people in crisis. 

Leah is staying in ALABARÉ accommodation in Salisbury, with her dog Lola: “I ended up here because my landlord needed his property back. ALABARÉ was the only place I could come, otherwise I’d have been on the streets itself.

"This place is brilliant, especially for dog owners. It’s bad enough being homeless as it is, but being able to have my dog with me, I couldn’t recommend it more highly.

“If ALABARÉ weren’t able to take her in, I think I’d be in severe depression right now. It would just break me, as I’d have lost Lola. It would have sent me into a downward spiral. I think what ALABARÉ does is amazing, it helps especially with mental health.”

Why This Matters 

• 350,000 people are estimated to be homeless or at risk in the UK. 

• 200,000 families and individuals face hidden homelessness. 

• In Wiltshire, the number of rough sleepers has doubled in recent months. 

• The Southwest has the third highest number of people sleeping rough in England, with an 8% increase since 2023. 

• Alabaré has supported over 3,000 vulnerable people in the past year alone. 

• Just £175 provides a week of supported accommodation and care for someone in need. 

This year marks ALABARÉ’s 35th Anniversary, and The BIG Sleep is a powerful way to celebrate its mission and commitment to ending homelessness. 

 A Memorable Evening of Solidarity 

ALABARÉ’s BIG Sleep events have been a huge success, with over 100 people taking part in November at Stonehenge. Attendees like Nick Butter, from the BBC’s ‘Destination X’ and the only person to have run a marathon in every country in the world, and Phil Harding from Channel 4’s Time Team, urged people to sign up. 

Nick said, “For many years, people have gone and run marathons to raise money for charity because it’s hard. Sleeping outside in the cold… that’s hard!” 

Phil reflected on ALABARÉ’s last BIG Sleep at Stonehenge, saying, “100 plus people come together, and you realise what an amazing family and collective it is.” 

Where the Money Goes  

• £25 = A warm welcome pack for a veteran entering supported housing  

• £50 = One-to-one mental health support session  

• £100 = A week of food, washing facilities and showers   

• £175 = A full week of supported accommodation and care  

Sign up for your place at the BIG Sleep, Salisbury Cathedral at thebigsleep.org.uk