Action for Children raises £215,000 at Starry Night Gala

Hosted by broadcaster, former newsreader, writer and journalist, Angela Rippon, the night saw celebrity guests and VIPs immersed in glamour and entertainment, while raising vital funds for vulnerable children and young people.

Upon arrival, guests were welcomed with refreshing drinks and a incredible live piano performance from Channel 4's The Piano's Brad Kella.

Making their way through the elegant ballroom to take their seats, the talented Berkshire Theatre School set the tone for the evening with a dazzling rendition of songs from The Greatest Showman.

The celebrations continued with a sparkling reception, a delicious three-course meal and a captivating performance from Britain's Got Talent Finalist, Darren Sarsby, whose magic left the crowd speechless.

Adding to the excitement, guests had the chance to win some exciting prizes in a raffle and live auction, led by Alex Fleming. Every ticket purchased and bid placed helped raise £215,000 for Action for Children.

And just when it seemed the night couldn’t get any better, the dance floor came alive as guests were treated to an exclusive headline set from the award-winning singer, songwriter and actress, Alexandra Burke. Her powerhouse vocals brought the evening to a spectacular close.

Overall it was an incredible event that came together after months of hard work. Thank you to everyone who joined us at this year's gala. Last year, Action for Children helped over 551,400 children, young people and families. With your support, we could reach even more.

With rising bills and the added pressure of Christmas around the corner, some parents face the heart-breaking reality of not being able to afford essentials like warm winter clothes and hot, nutritious meals for their children.

Currently 4.5 million children across the UK are living in poverty. That's 9 children in every classroom.

Through generosity and supporting events like, Starry Night Gala, our supporters have helped raise vital funds that will enable us to create more safe and happy childhoods across the UK.

The event would not have been possible without our Headline Sponsor, Nationwide Building Society. Their support has helped create an unforgettable evening, as we shone a light on the children and families we support.

We would also like to thank our official sponsor, Equinix, and our table sponsors, Ever After Productions and Melrose Industries.

To find out more about our Starry Night Gala, and to register your interest in next year’s event, please contact: [email protected] or visit our events page.