Simon Cowell hosts glittering Midsummer Ball to raise funds for Together for Short Lives
Patron Simon Cowell is hosting a spectacular Midsummer Ball for Together for Short Lives in support of our work with the UK’s sickest children and their families. The Midsummer Ball (7 June 2017), at Banqueting House, London, will shine a light on the UK’s 49,000 children and young people with life-limiting conditions and raise vital funds to help families get the lifeline care and support they need to make the most of every moment together. The Midsummer Ball special guests will be treated to a sparkling night of entertainment as stars line up to make Together for Short Lives Midsummer Ball an unforgettable experience.
As a long-time supporter of children’s palliative care and hospice charities, Simon Cowell has worked closely with us for the third consecutive year to raise hundreds of thousands of pounds for the cause.
Our Midsummer Ball will be magical scene – full of beautiful flowers, dazzling crystals and mirrors, and a kaleidoscope of butterflies. Jenni Falconer will compère the night’s glittering entertainment and guests will be thrilled by an exclusive set from Lulu, as well as live performances from the Remi Harris Trio, Pixie Lott and The Mac Twins. Stars will be joined by Britain’s Got Talent 2017 Winner Tokio Myers and Finalist Sarah Ikumu and guests will be entertained and amazed by the 2016 Britain’s Got Talent magician Richard Jones. Some of the night’s special guests include Louis Walsh, Oliver Cheshire, James Jordan, Ola Jordon, Ben Cohen, Kristina Rihanoff, Gethin Jones, Emma Barton, and Nicky Johnston.
Our CEO Barbara Gelb OBE said: “We are so grateful to our wonderful Patron Simon Cowell for once again hosting our Midsummer Ball. Simon’s generosity and heartfelt support over many years has really helped us to shine a light on the children, young people and families we are here for. There are 49,000 children and young people with life-limiting conditions across the UK – and the number is rising.
Sadly, too many of these families struggle to get the care and support they need, on top of coming to terms with the heart-breaking news that their child will die young. The vital funds raised at our Midsummer Ball will help ensure that families can get all the help they need, so they can make the most of every moment together. It’s only by working together that we can make a lasting change for these children and families, so I am thrilled that Simon, the Ball’s sponsors, guests and stars will be joining together for one incredible evening to help make a lifetime of difference.”
Guests will be treated to a decadent and sumptuous midsummer feast designed by celebrity chef Aldo Zilli, and guests will listen to the Jazz Trio whilst they dine in style”.
The Midsummer Ball has been generously supported by an array of prestigious companies who have donated their support and luxury auction lots. James Stratton, of world renowned auctioneers Bonhams, will guide guests through the charity auction and the funds raised will support our work for seriously ill children and families. Some of the once in a life time auction lots on offer include: a dinner party cooked by a celebrity chef, luxury holidays, and an array of amazing experiences and lots from Harrods, The Jockey Club, Soho House, Auto Vivendi and Aspinal of London to name just a few.
Tonight, mum Rachel Thompson will share her family’s journey of how their life was shattered by the heart-breaking news that their son Frank had Late Infantile Batten Disease, a rare, incurable, neuro-degenerative and life-limiting condition.