Rainbow Day will be Saturday July 19 in Chichester's Priory Park, a chance to have fun in the sun and add coloured messages to a 40-foot rainbow.

Organising the day is Hilary Strong, Chichester born and bred, but now living in Lewes.

She said she wanted a variation on the traditional balloon launch which the hospice has organised now for a few years.

"I said to the hospice that I wanted to help, and they said could I think of something different and new. The idea was that everybody could write a message on a card, in memory of a loved one or saying congratulations on a new baby or whatever.

"There was a sense of ritual as the balloons went up in the air. We wanted something that combined a visual, an opportunity to make money for the hospice and also still had that ritual element.

"I came up with the idea of making a big sculpture, and we collectively came up with the brilliant idea of making a rainbow. A rainbow is a beautiful thing in its own right, but it is also something that is very hopeful and positive."

A company will come in in the morning to set up the rainbow structure which people will then cover in the afternoon with their messages, so creating the rainbow.

The hospice will be contacting supporters with cards which they can fill in.

By the structure there will be a stage, and Hilary is planning to put together a full programme of entertainments: "We have already got some jazz bands and some Egyptian dancers. It will be a mix of professionals and people from the community.

"There is still an opportunity for people that want to be involved to contact us. We hope to have a full programme of performances throughout the day."

Anyway wishing to become involved should contact Jill Dennison in the hospice's fundraising office on 01243 755827.

/blob/ Hilary Strong was born in Chichester and began her career in 1979 working backstage at Chichester Festival Theatre. She subsequently managed the Merlin Theatre, Frome and then the Natural Theatre Company in Bath.

In 1994 she was appointed director of the Edinburgh Fringe, leading the organisation for five years. Hilary was appointed executive director of Greenwich Theatre in June 1999.

In June 2007, she moved to the National Council for Drama Training as their director and continues to develop a freelance producing and directing career.