Thousands of visitors turned out earlier this month at Middlewick House in Wiltshire, where Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason and his wife Annette hosted their annual open garden weekend. The event, held on June 7 and 8, drew more than 15,000 people and raised a record £200,000 for two vital local charities.

For many, it was a rare chance to stroll through the gardens of the Masons’ home near Corsham while also supporting the Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance and the Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust. Attendees were welcomed with displays from local car clubs featuring models from Jaguar, Lotus, Porsche, and Ferrari, along with Mason’s collection of classic sports cars. A fully operational air ambulance helicopter was also stationed on the property for public viewing throughout the event.

The response from the local community was significant. Organisers said the weekend’s total was the highest they’ve seen since launching the event in 2013. Barbara Gray, deputy chief executive of the air ambulance charity, called it their largest and most successful gathering to date. Jennie Shaw, director of the Bobby Van Trust, also praised the public’s support and said planning is already underway for 2026, with a focus on improving logistics and access.

While some traffic congestion was reported on the roads surrounding the estate, especially as guests exited the grounds, organisers have acknowledged the issue and intend to address it ahead of future events.

Funds from the weekend will go directly to keeping the air ambulance flying for a full week, offering medical aid both by air and land across the region. The Bobby Van Trust, which provides free home security and digital safety services to elderly and vulnerable residents, will receive support for a year’s worth of community-based operations.

Nick Mason, who has long supported local causes and has been a familiar figure in both music and motorsport circles, made appearances throughout the two-day event. Though best known for his role in Pink Floyd, Mason has in recent years been just as prominent in his support for emergency services and community programs.

Now a recurring highlight on the local calendar, the Middlewick open garden weekend continues to blend public access, classic car culture, and charitable giving. With this year’s record-breaking total, the event has solidified its place as a major source of support for emergency services in the region.