On Friday 27 February 2026, supporters and staff will spend the night in the stands of the Toughsheet Community Stadium for a charity sleepout in Bolton, Greater Manchester. The event is organised by Bolton Wanderers in the Community to raise money for local people facing homelessness, mental health struggles, and the rising cost of living.
Ben Lawton, the charity’s chief executive, and Richard Slater, the head of community, are both taking part by sleeping outside at the ground. They will be joined by former player David Lee, who is attending as a special guest to meet participants and host a question and answer session during the night.
This year’s event includes a new family section for children aged 14 and over to take part alongside their parents or guardians. Money raised from the night will be shared with Urban Outreach Bolton, a local organisation that provides food and housing support to vulnerable people in the town.
The initiative helps fund mentoring programmes and employment support as part of a long-term plan to help those without a permanent home. Since the first sleepout was held at the Bolton Wanderers FC stadium in 2023, the annual event has raised thousands of pounds to support essential community services.
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