Wealden District Council is excited to launch the new Wealden Community Lottery in spring 2023.

And as part of that, the council is encouraging local organisations to attend the launch event, taking place on 1 February 2023 at Hailsham Civic Community Hall, Vicarage Lane.

The initiative is an exciting new way for local organisations to fundraise locally. The launch event will highlight how the community lottery will work and the benefits it could bring to community groups across the Wealden district.

A generous 50% of the ticket proceeds from the Wealden lottery will go to charities, voluntary organisations and other not-for-profit groups with the remainder being put towards a central fund, prizes, operating costs and VAT. Tickets will cost £1.

Anyone involved with a local organisation that would like to find out more about fundraising with Wealden Community Lottery and attend the launch, can contact Wealden District Council on communitygrants@wealden.gov.uk

Following the event, tickets for Wealden Community Lottery will go on sale on Tuesday 21 February via a brand new website – to be launched soon - and the first live draw will take place on Saturday 25 March.

Wealden District Council’s portfolio holder for Community Leadership Councillor Pam Doodes said, “I am delighted to announce the launch of the Wealden Community Lottery in February.

“The money raised by the lottery is going to make a lot of difference to grassroots good causes and it’s an exciting new way for charities and organisations to fundraise locally.

“We welcome voluntary and community organisations, charities, sports clubs and other organisations in Wealden to attend the launch to find out more about how the community Lottery can support them and start fundraising. It’s easy and free.”

Leading lottery management company, Gatherwell, has been appointed by

Wealden District Council to operate the lottery, having successfully launched similar lotteries throughout the UK.

Nigel Atkinson, Gatherwell's general manager, said, "We are delighted that

Gatherwell has been awarded the opportunity to deliver Wealden District Council’s Community Lottery.

“We're looking forward to working with Wealden council to raise funds for many amazing good causes.”