Thousands of people braved the weather and pounded the pavements in Ipswich last night for this year’s Midnight Walk.

East Anglian Daily Times: Chita Walkden in the rain. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNChita Walkden in the rain. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: The rain failed to dampen the spirits of the thousands of people who turned out for the St Elizabeth Hospice Midnight Walk. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNThe rain failed to dampen the spirits of the thousands of people who turned out for the St Elizabeth Hospice Midnight Walk. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

Around 2,500 participants turned out in their neon and sparkle themed outfits to support St Elizabeth Hospice’s flagship event, before setting off from new venue Trinity Park.

East Anglian Daily Times: The rain failed to dampen the spirits of the thousands of people who turned out for the St Elizabeth Hospice Midnight Walk. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNThe rain failed to dampen the spirits of the thousands of people who turned out for the St Elizabeth Hospice Midnight Walk. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: Maddy Tarry, Lesley Roper and Danielle Haworth. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNMaddy Tarry, Lesley Roper and Danielle Haworth. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

Upbeat performances from Just Jay Dance – and an energetic warm up from the Townsend Twins – spurred on the walkers as they embarked on six and 10 mile routes.

East Anglian Daily Times: The rain failed to dampen the spirits of the thousands of people who turned out for the St Elizabeth Hospice Midnight Walk. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNThe rain failed to dampen the spirits of the thousands of people who turned out for the St Elizabeth Hospice Midnight Walk. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: Vanessa Girling and Hannah Stenning dancing in the rain. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNVanessa Girling and Hannah Stenning dancing in the rain. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: The rain failed to dampen the spirits of the thousands of people who turned out for the Midnight Walk. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNThe rain failed to dampen the spirits of the thousands of people who turned out for the Midnight Walk. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

Crossing the finish line around midnight, challengers were presented with medals and a hot drink as their reward.

East Anglian Daily Times: Fundraisers of all ages took part. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNFundraisers of all ages took part. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: The rain failed to dampen the spirits of the thousands of people who turned out for the St Elizabeth Hospice Midnight Walk. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNThe rain failed to dampen the spirits of the thousands of people who turned out for the St Elizabeth Hospice Midnight Walk. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

It’s not clear yet how much has been raised for the hospice – volunteers are busy counting up the total, which is due to be revealed later this year.

East Anglian Daily Times: Walkers set out on a damp night. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNWalkers set out on a damp night. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: The rain failed to dampen the spirits of the thousands of people who turned out for the St Elizabeth Hospice Midnight Walk. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNThe rain failed to dampen the spirits of the thousands of people who turned out for the St Elizabeth Hospice Midnight Walk. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: The event raises tens of thousands of pounds for the hospice. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNThe event raises tens of thousands of pounds for the hospice. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: Nicola Dennis and Tansy Cooper at the Midnight Walk start line. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNNicola Dennis and Tansy Cooper at the Midnight Walk start line. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: Melanie Joseph and Belinda Stokes ready for the walk. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNMelanie Joseph and Belinda Stokes ready for the walk. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)