Framework's Big Sleep Out is our most important annual fundraising event. It is an opportunity to spend a unique night sleeping outside without your usual comforts - you'll have fun, the chance to reflect on homelessness and raise money to support local homeless and vulnerable people.

The event takes place on the night of Thursday 10th November 2011 on Bolero Square outside the front entrance to the Capital FM Arena in Nottingham city centre. The event starts at 8pm, with last entry and registration at 9.30pm. It finishes at 6am the next morning.

There will be hot drinks and food available until 11pm, so don’t forget to bring plenty of change. Merchandise will also be on sale at the event. No alcohol or recreational drugs will be tolerated on The Big Sleep Out site.

Framework's Big Sleep Out will feature live music and street entertainment throughout the evening. This will include live performances by local artists and will conclude with presentations from Framework staff and service users explaining what Framework does, who it helps and how your financial support makes a vital difference.

There will be an official 'lights out' at 11pm. We ask participants to consider local residents and refrain from loud talking and disruptive noise after this time. Toilet facilities will be available throughout the night.

The gates to Framework's Big Sleep Out will be locked at 9.30pm. In the interests of our participant’s security, people arriving after this time will not be allowed onto the premises. We recommend that all participants remain in Bolero Square after this time – there will be no readmission for participants who choose to leave after the gates have been locked. Under 18s will not be allowed to leave without a responsible adult.

All participants will be given a cardboard box on arrival and challenged to build a personal shelter or contribute to part of our cardboard city and some plastic sheeting to provide some rudimentary waterproofing! Feel free to get creative: bring string, tape, more boxes etc... Remember to bring anything with you that will help you get comfortable: a sleeping bag, more cardboard and plastic sheeting. You will be 'sleeping rough' in the middle of winter so we strongly advise you bring warm, preferably waterproof, clothing and a good, warm sleeping bag. Previous participants have brought survival bags as sold in camping and outdoor equipment shops. As there will be no shelter available on the night, Framework reserves the right to turn away participants who arrive at The Big Sleep Out unsuitably equipped e.g. without a sleeping bag or warm coat.

Capital FM Arena is connected to excellent and regular bus, tram and train services. There will be no car parking available at the venue and we strongly discourage you from driving to the event, as you are likely to be tired in the morning. If necessary, please plan a lift or book a taxi.

Framework's Big Sleep Out is an enjoyable event for groups and families although please note all children under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a responsible adult. If you are a youth group leader you must ensure that all members of your party have read and understood the guideline information for Framework's Big Sleep Out.

Sponsorship

Framework's Big Sleep Out is a fundraising event and in order to take part we ask each participant to raise a minimum of £50 in sponsorship, although the more you raise, the more impact you will make. Your participant’s pack will include sponsorship forms so you can start getting pledges from family and friends straight away. You can also collect sponsorship by using www.justgiving.com. The site is free to join and offers an easy and secure way of collecting sponsorship. Framework's Big Sleep Out - Nottingham 2011 is registered as an organised event on the website.

We would be really grateful if you can collect and return all sponsorship money to Framework by Thursday 15th December 2011.

PLEASE NOTE: To take part in Framework's Big Sleep Out you must register first (click here to register or call 0115 970 9561). After registration you will be sent your Participants Pack including a personal / group details form you will need to bring with you on the night.

If you would like further information please contact The Big Sleep Out Team by phone on 0115 970 9515 or by email at events@frameworkha.org.