Award winning Event Management company, Entertainment Today based here in Stockport, has produced three of the UK’s largest and most prestigious charity balls, all in the space of 8 days!
Hosted by some of the biggest names in UK entertainment & sport, these three events have raised over £170,000 for four very worthy causes.
On Saturday 22nd November, the Denise Welch & Tim Healy Charity Ball was back again for its 13th year. East met West at the Bollywood Rocks event where guests donned stunning saris, magnificent headdresses and artful bindis. Hosts Denise & Tim made their most spectacular entrance to date with Denise riding in on a traditional Indian Wedding Procession Horse with Tim Leading the way through the star studded tables.
Guests were treated to some nonstop entertainment which created the perfect fusion between east and west including a Bollywood dance workshop where the Desi Nach Dancers didn’t have to ask twice for people to join them on the dance floor. Next up guests flew west and enjoyed a fabulous performance by Irish Dance troupe Reel Deel featuring Richard Sanderson on the Fiddle & Anita Ryan on Vocals. 80’s soul legend Jacki Graham gave a stunning performance and a spectacular finish by The Jersey Guys, the UK’s leading Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons tribute act, guaranteed that the dance floor was packed from start to finish. DJ Fritz continued the party until the early hours.
The event raised much needed funds for two charities close to the hearts of Denise and Tim. The first is the Rochdale based charity The GEM Appeal who fund research into and find cures for genetic diseases in children. The second charity was the Sharanalyam Orphanage based in India, who takes care of more than 250 orphaned, destitute, mentally challenged, uncared and HIV positive children and adults. It is this second cause, believe it or not, that inspired the theme for this year’s event.
Next up, on Saturday 29th November came the Hearts and Minds Challenge Studio 54 Ball, the most famous nightclub of all time was brought back to life for one night only in aid of Hearts and Minds Challenge. It was a night of true decadence and glamour where guests were transported to the heart of 1970’s New York, into the Iconic Studio 54 nightclub.
Celebrities, including Jorgie Porter, Steph Waring, Romeo, Nikki Sanderson Nicole Barbour-Lane, amongst more turned out in force to support the charity who are dedicated to improving the lives of those living with and affected by autism.
Event organisers Entertainment Today injected a look of elegant 80’s disco into the International Suite at the Mercure Piccadilly Hotel in Manchester. Guests were dazzled by some stunning performances from dance troupe MD Productions as well as a Footloose medley by NK Theatre Arts. Jacky Webbe gave a mesmerising tribute to Studio 54 Diva, Diana Ross, performing some of her most iconic hits, this was following by a show stopping performance filled with fun and frolics by The Showbears. Jacki Graham kicked off the entertainment after dinner to a packed dance floor and 90’s Girl Group Cleopatra reunited for one night only giving an amazing rendition of some of their classic hits.
It was the first charity event of its kind to be streamed live by ETLive, giving fans of celebrity guests and supporters of the charity the chance to watch the event in real time from around the globe.
Finally, The stars of Manchester City FC made a mad dash from their away game in Southampton to make it back to Manchester in time for the event of the year. ‘What Happens in Vegas’ was held at EventCity and hosted by Manchester City’s own James Milner in aid of his charitable Foundation. The event featured a line-up of some of Britain’s finest entertainment mixed with a few Vegas favourites. Guests included Frank Lampard and fiancee Christine Bleakley, England goalie Joe Hart, as well as Manchester City Stars David Silva, Jesus Navas, and Martin Demichelis among many more.
VIP guests were treated to the famous melodies of Sir Elton John during the drinks reception before making their way to the stunningly themed main event where each area was themed to represent some of Las Vegas’ most famous landmarks, including the MGM Grand, The Bellagio Fountains, Caesar’s Palace and much more. The event, organised by award winning events company Entertainment Today, was attended by over 600 guests who enjoyed an exquisite three course dinner whilst enjoying entertainment from a tribute to Las Vegas resident performer Celine Dion, alongside trickster and star of ITV2 show Tricked, Ben Hanlin.
After the night’s charity auction, the evening’s entertainment reached a whole new level when chart topping Indie Rock Band, The Kaiser Chiefs took to the stage. The crowd went wild for the eccentric performance, fronted by The Voice judge Ricky Wilson. Guests didn’t’ have time to relax as this was soon followed by a stunning performance from 2008 X Factor winner, Alexandra Burke who stepped in, with only 24 hours notice, to replace Ruth Lorenzo who had to pull out of performing due to illness. Guests also enjoyed dodgems, waltzers and a vegas casino throughout the night.
The event raised a staggering £130,000 for The James Milner Foundation which benefit three charities: NSPCC, Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research and Help for Heroes. The James Milner foundations promotes healthy recreation for the benefit of young people by the development, improvement and provision of opportunities in sports, in particular football, rugby and cricket.