Midsummer Ball theme announced as A Night of Nashville
The movers and shakers of Sussex flocked to the Hilton Brighton Metropole hotel recently for a taste of what to expect from the Midsummer Ball 2018. The Ball last year raised over £100,000 for charities – let’s see if it can be beaten!
Guests were treated to a sample of ‘A Night of Nashville’ at the launch event, enjoying a sneak peek of the Music City-themed festivities that will be inspiring the charity ball on Saturday June 23.
Sponsored by Skerritts, this year’s celebration is set to ‘Help Young People in Sussex’ by supporting the DM Thomas Foundation for Young People, as well as Sussex-based charities Action Medical Research, Chailey Heritage Foundation, Chestnut Tree House and The Starr Trust.
Highlights of the evening will include the much-loved ‘singing and dancing’ competition, featuring eight local personalities taking on the challenge of perfecting a musical-style song and dance routine. Attendees will also be treated to a sparkling drinks reception, three-course dinner with wine and after-dinner entertainment, including games, an auction and the infamous indoor dodgems.
As we take a trip to Nashville, I’m sure that the people of Brighton and Hove will live up to their generous reputation
Simon Sheehan, director of the DM Thomas Foundation for Young People, says: “We want to help the children and young people of Sussex. As we take a trip to Nashville, I’m sure that the people of Brighton and Hove will live up to their generous reputation, and help us to help these disabled, sick and disadvantaged young people.”
Tables for the Midsummer Ball are £95 per person, or a table of 10 is available for £850 if booked by March 31 2018 (£950 after that).
To book yours, contact Nicky Willard on 01273 775432, email nicky.willard@hilton.com or visit dmthomasfoundation.org
Photos: Graham Franks
Midsummer Ball launch
Chailey Heritage Foundation team
Chestnut Tree House team
Event sponsors Richard and Heidi Skerritt
The team from Action Medical Research for Children
David Hill from E3 Group, Sascha Koehler General Manager at Brighton Hilton Metropole with the performers representing the charities
Gemini Print Group
Entertainment from Brighton Academy Students
Jodie Proctor from IT First with Rachel Regan from Juice
Zara Kreimeia from Brilliant Noise and Chloe Morris of Domestic and General
DM Thomas Foundation for Young People is dedicated to transforming the lives of young people. They believe that, with the right support, all young people can fulfil their potential. Through their ABLE giving framework, they help young people in the UK and Europe to achieve their goals, beat or ameliorate health conditions, live independent and fulfilled lives and experience the best that life can offer. Funded through the generous efforts and contributions of corporate partners and their team members, the foundation has awarded £17million to a wide range of projects improving the education and wellbeing of young people.
www.dmthomasfoundation.org
Action Medical Research is the leading UK-wide charity funding vital research to help sick and disabled babies, children and young people. There are hundreds of thousands of children in the UK whose lives are devastated by disease and disability. Their research can help children with the support of the Midsummer Ball.
www.action.org.uk
Chailey Heritage Foundation is a Sussex-based charity, educating and caring for children and young people with complex disabilities and high health needs. Their mission is to give disabled children and young people every opportunity to pursue their fullest potential, no matter what the challenges.
www.chf.org.uk
Chestnut Tree House is a children’s charity providing hospice care services and community support for children and young people with progressive life-shortening conditions throughout East and West Sussex, Brighton and Hove and South East Hampshire. There are potentially 1,000 families with life-limited children in Sussex. Chestnut Tree House offers support for the whole family, including psychological and bereavement support, end-of-life and short-break care, and sibling support.
www.chestnut-tree-house.org.uk
The Starr Trust has one main objective: to champion young people and to help them achieve their goals. They are an independent, family-run charity that supports 10 to 18-year-olds to fulfil their potential in sports, arts and education. The Starr Trust provides financial support, training, connections and mentoring.
www.starrtrust.com
© All images copyright Graham Franks Photography
