Oakham turns red and purple as members of Red Hat Society celebrate friendship

A market town has turned red and purple as a friendship group donned fancy hats and paraded through the centre.

Members of the Red Hat Society met outside Oakham Castle on Wednesday for their first get-together, known as a ‘hoot’.

The event was organised by the Red Hat Bees of Bardwell, based in Suffolk, who recently returned from a weekend in Antwerp attending a European Hoot.

The gathering drew group members, known as chapters, from across the Midlands and East Anglia, with around 60 ladies marching through the town to the Market Place.

Vivian Bewley, founder of the Bardwell group, said it was a successful day.

“It was far better than we expected,” she said. “Our parades always bring joy – people just love them. They bring smiles to people’s faces.

“The weather was absolutely fabulous and the girls are already talking about what date we should meet up next year.”

The Red Hat Society is an international friendship group for women, founded in the 1990s by Sue Cooper after her friend felt anxious about turning 50.

It aims to connect women from all walks of life, encouraging them to embrace fun, laughter and friendship.

Chapters around the world – both online and in person – organise regular social events such as cinema trips, bowling and arts and crafts sessions.

Those over the age of 50 wear red and purple, while under 50s are known as ‘hatters in waiting’ and wear lilac and pink.

Vivian added: “All we want is for people to enjoy themselves. We’re here for fun, laughter and friendship – and to banish the invisibility that often comes with growing older.”