Glamour and generosity shine at Willow Wood’s 1920s Glitz Gala Ball

More than 200 guests stepped back in time to the roaring 1920s last weekend for Willow Wood Hospice’s Glitz Gala Ball, which raised over £30,000 to support patient care.

Held at The Village Hotel in Ashton-under-Lyne, the glittering evening was a feast of vintage elegance, complete with flapper dresses, tuxedos, and a dazzling art deco backdrop created by Visual Architects, the Denton-based event design agency.

Guests enjoyed welcome drinks and a three-course meal before dancing the night away to live music from swing band Schwing. The evening was hosted by Tameside Radio DJ Cameron Kennedy, who kept spirits high throughout the celebrations.

The night began with a fun fundraising twist, Stand Up for Willow Wood, where attendees could purchase a fan or trilby hat for the chance to win a selection of celebrity wines and champagne.

Tameside Radio DJ Cameron Kennedy was the compete for the evening. Credit: David Hirst

In her heartfelt welcome speech, Willow Wood Hospice CEO Tracy Minshull thanked the community for their unwavering support in challenging times.

“Much like the 1920s, we’re making every penny count,” she told guests. “But truth be told, it’s our community, not the coffers, that keeps us going. Times are tough, costs are rising, but thanks to your fundraising and generosity, we’re still here, delivering care with dignity, and you are the heartbeat of the Hospice.”

A raffle, auction, and silent auction featuring a range of fantastic prizes helped to boost the fundraising total even further.

The event’s headline sponsor, for the second consecutive year, was Scientific Sanitation Solutions, an Ashton-under-Lyne-based business developing innovations in sanitation and agriculture. Other generous sponsors included Gerard McDermott KC, Sofology, Manchester City Football Club, Bamford Print, FGH Security, and Vivienne Westwood Limited.

Adding to the sense of community spirit, students from Tameside College volunteered on the night, helping guests and managing the cloakroom.

Tracey Schofield, Events Lead at Willow Wood, said: “The Ball is always a highlight of our fundraising calendar, and this year’s 1920s theme brought so much sparkle and energy. Keep an eye out for details of the exciting events we have planned in the run-up to Christmas.”

Sam Duncan, Director of Fundraising and Communications, added: “It was a wonderful night, but the moment that stood out for me was when we showed a video sharing the story of a family we’ve supported – it perfectly captured why hospice care matters so much. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who attended, donated, or supported the event in any way.”

Based in Ashton-under-Lyne, Willow Wood Hospice provides specialist, compassionate, and dignified care for patients across Tameside and Glossop living with life-limiting illnesses, while also supporting their loved ones.

The Hospice receives only a quarter of its annual funding from the Government and relies heavily on community generosity, through donations, fundraising events, volunteering, its eight charity shops, weekly lottery, and legacy gifts, to continue delivering its vital services.

The theme of the night was the 1920s. Credit: David Hirst