More than 200 guests gathered at Lancaster’s Storey Institute, which had been turned into a giant sweet factory to raise funds for the city’s St John’s Hospice. They helped to raise over £15,000 by staging a Candylicious Ball, a Willy Wonka themed event which was deemed a huge success with everyone enjoying a great excuse to eat lots of sweets for a worthy cause.

Upstairs at The Storey was transformed into a ‘Candy Wonderland’ and guests were greeted by Willy Wonka and his Oompa Loompas, played expertly by local actor Nygel G. Harrot and children from St. Peter’s Primary School in Heysham.

Guests were treated to a delicious three course meal and, of course, lots of sweets. There was also a charity auction hosted by Dave Guest, of the BBC.