A special birthday ball was held at Gorton Monastery to mark its anniversary.

Over 300 people celebrated the 21st anniversary of Gorton Monastery with a birthday ball held at the venue in Manchester.

The event marked the 21 years since a charitable trust was established to save and protect the Victorian Gothic-style building. On arrival, guests enjoyed a drinks reception in the new Welcome Wing, accompanied by a string quartet with Stephen Threlfall, director of music and students from Chetham’s School of Music.

Martin Toal then started the evening off with a performance of Nessun Dorma, which was followed by a three course dinner in the Great Nave created by The Monastery’s head chef, John Rose. After dinner, Lucinda Drayton sang 100,000 Angels and Matthew Corbett and Sooty came out of retirement to entertain the guests.

Money on the evening was raised for The Monastery’s 21st Birthday Appeal. This appeal aims to raise funds to ensure the building is protected and open to the community for the next 21 years and beyond.