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Prolific London street artist, Pegasus, creates new piece for Salisbury-based charity’s Big Sleep event

A SALISBURY-based homelessness charity has announced a powerful collaboration with a prolific street artist.

The move comes as Alabaré gears up for its Big Sleep event at St Paul’s Cathedral in London on October 10, with the charity also holding similar events at Stonehenge on November 14, and Salisbury Cathedral in March next year.

Known for his bold, thought-provoking pieces and cultural iconography, Pegasus brings a unique voice to the cause — and now, to the heart of the charity’s mission to break the cycle of homelessness.

Pegasus is the tag name of American-born, London-based artist Chris Turner, renowned for works featuring famous faces including Marilyn Monroe, Kylie Minogue, Madonna, David Bowie, Prince, George Michael, and most notably, a tribute piece to Amy Winehouse.

The unveiling of Pegasus’s latest work at Alabaré’s inaugural sleepout in the gardens of the world-famous and iconic building coincides with World Homeless Day on October 10.

Every night, nearly 354,000 people are sleeping rough on the UK’s streets according to a report from Shelter, with nearly 1,500 deaths of people experiencing homelessness recorded during 2024.

During 2024, Alabaré supported more than 150 veterans at services in the south west of England and Wales, with 84 subsequently moving into independent living.

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As World Homeless Day approaches, Alabaré is calling on supporters to join in at its Big Sleep at St Paul’s.

“At Alabaré, we understand the importance of breaking the cycle of homelessness,” said Alabaré chief executive, Andrew Lord.

Whether that’s through direct support to our clients, demanding welfare reform, or ensuring there are support mechanisms in place for when people stumble.

“Supporting the Big Sleep at St Paul’s Cathedral will help Alabaré continue to provide homes, restore hearts, and empower the minds of veterans from London and across the UK, who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

This artwork is more than just visual impact — it’s a call to action. A reminder that behind every statistic is a person, and behind every person is a story worth hearing.

200 people will sleep out in the churchyard gardens of St Paul’s Cathedral on October 10, with Pegasus’s artwork serving as a visual centrepiece, inspiring participants and supporters alike to reflect on the importance of compassion and community.

Pegasus said: “I’m really pleased to be working alongside Alabaré to spread the message about breaking the cycle of homelessness and delighted that my piece will be shown for the first time at the iconic St Paul’s Cathedral.

“I believe art can have the power to tell a story and stir emotions, and the charity’s values of treating others with care, compassion, honesty, and respect fit perfectly with my own views of encouraging kindness and love.”

The work will later be auctioned off to raise money for Alabaré’s services across the south west and Wales and help to break the cycle of homelessness.

James Tomlinson, director of strategic communications at Alabaré, said: “Pegasus’s work is poignant and emotive – often reflecting how society is feeling.

We are surrounded by instability – globally and nationally. We owe our freedom to people who have and still do put their lives on the line, and we strongly believe that no veteran should call the streets their home.

It’s a privilege that Pegasus has chosen to partner with Alabaré, highlighting our efforts to break the cycle of veteran homelessness.

Places to join the Big Sleep and spend a night in the gardens of St Paul’s Cathedral are limited to just 200.

Supporters are encouraged to sign up now to avoid disappointment. Find out more at https://alabare.co.uk/the-big-sleep-one-night-one-cause

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