Chestnut Tree House’s Snowman Spectacular Ball confirmed its place as the highlight of the Brighton calendar and added to its growing reputation as one of the leading charity events outside London, raising an incredible £415,596 on the night for the Sussex children’s hospice.

Great British Life: Some of the Chestnut Tree House volunteersSome of the Chestnut Tree House volunteers (Image: Archant)

Guests were wowed by an exclusive live performance from international singing star Lulu and her band, who performed her hits – including Shout - getting the audience on their feet dancing and singing along.

Brighton-based production company and long-time supporter of Chestnut Tree House, E3 used their extensive showbiz contacts to secure Lulu’s appearance at the Ball prior to her tour in the New Year. When she heard about the hospice, Lulu was delighted to perform and said, “When I looked at the work that Chestnut Tree House does, I was deeply moved to think that I could help these kids in some small way.”

Great British Life: Mike Holland and Wendy CarterMike Holland and Wendy Carter (Image: Archant)

As well as singing and dancing along to Lulu’s performance, the 560 guests enjoyed an exclusive evening of magical entertainment in a winter wonderland setting inspired by Raymond Briggs’ iconic Snowman.

Other celebrities at the Snowman Spectacular Ball included DJ Pat Sharp, back for the second year to play a special set for guests to dance to, TV presenter and Dancing on Ice star Laura Hamilton, Brighton crime author Peter James, TV actress and Chestnut Tree House Patron Julie Graham and footballers Paul Jones (also a Chestnut Tree House Patron) and Kerry Mayo.

***

READ ON

Chesnut Tree House Snowman Spectacular Ball at Brighton Hilton raises £221,660 - The fourth annual Chestnut Tree House Snowman Spectacular Ball raised a staggering £221,660 – enough to pay for 32 days of all the care services provided by the children’s hospice.

D-Day veteran Bernard Jordan and wife Irene leave estate to RNLI - A World War Two veteran and his wife have left their estate, worth around £600,000 to the RNLI.