Published by The Sun on Monday 3rd November 2025
By Ellie Henman

TOM CRUISE angered residents of a town when he and thousands of other Scientologists rocked up for their annual Patrons Ball.

The weekend bash at the Church of Scientology HQ in East Grinstead played havoc with the roads — and locals weren’t too pleased that the Top Gun actor arrived, as usual, by helicopter.

One person from the West Sussex town, who asked me not to be named, said: “It’s like the circus coming to town when it’s the Patrons Ball.

“It’s an endless stream of people and so much noise — the infrastructure isn’t built for it so it ends up being chaos.

“Then you’ve got Tom flying over in his chopper and it causes a right old racket.

“To top things off, a minibus packed with Scientologists ended up having an accident with another driver, which meant one of the roads ended up being closed.”

Locals also vented their anger on Facebook, with one writing on a forum: “Tom Cruise flies over our garden, low, in his helicopter, scaring the animals, only to come back again, first a fly past to wave at his mates. Good grief.”

The bash is held every year at Saint Hill Manor — the Church of Scientology.

It failed once again to get planning permission for a 45,000sq ft marquee to put everyone in.

Last year the Mid Sussex District Council issued a Planning Contravention Notice after they erected a similarly massive structure to host the gathering — and advised they should apply for one this year.

But those in the know said the church failed to do so.

Former Scientologist turned activist Alexander Barnes-Ross told me he’d turned up to protest.

He added: “Over the weekend, the event caused severe disruption to East Grinstead – and it’s clear residents are getting increasingly frustrated by Scientology’s clear lack of regard for their small town.”

I’m sure a hearty donation from the church and Tom to some local good causes would smooth things over a bit . . .