Perennial’s Festival Dinner, held on 12th October,
brought in over £36,000 for the charity that looks after everyone in the
horticulture industry.
The
event took place at the five-star Langham Hotel in central London and was
hosted by James Alexander Sinclair.
The
total raised was made up from ticket sales, event sponsorship and money from
the auction and raffle.
The
auction alone raised over £16,000 and included a fabulous choice of luxury
lots, among which a week’s holiday for four in Tuscany attracted the highest
bid. Other popular lots included a private dining experience for 12 at Roux at The Landau, a VIP cricket package at
Lord’s and a spa break at Barnsley House.
The black tie event revived Perennial’s annual festival dinner, which
was a tradition that dated right back to Perennial’s origins. Back in 1839 the
Gardeners’ Benevolent Institution was founded at the inaugural dinner, attended
by gardeners, nurserymen and wealthy estate owners. It became a prestigious
annual fixture and during the 19th and early 20th centuries drew high society. In 1852, Charles Dickens presided over
the ninth festival dinner and in 1867 it was the turn of Sir Robert Peel,
founder of the modern police force.
Anita Bates, Director of Marketing and Fundraising at Perennial said:
“We are thrilled to have revived the Perennial tradition of an annual Festival
Dinner so thank you to everyone who attended, gave so generously and made it a
spectacular evening. The funds raised will make a real difference in allowing
us to continue to offer our services, which are a lifeline to those in need. We
are already planning next year’s Festival Dinner which will celebrate the 180th anniversary of Perennial.”
The 2018
Perennial Festival Dinner was sponsored by the London College of Garden Design
and the Landscape Show. Guests enjoyed entertainment from Simon Bates on
saxophone and Harry the Piano. Flowers for the event were provided by Judith
Blacklock Flower School and Agrumi provided topiary to dress the room. A cheque
for over £19,000 was also presented on the night from the Great British Card
Company for money raised for Perennial through sales of cards.
The 180th Anniversary Perennial Festival Dinner will take place
on Friday 11th October 2019 at the Corinthia Hotel, London with
special guest speaker Alan Titchmarsh, President of Perennial.
Early bird tickets are already available at: https://perennial.org.uk/events/festival-dinner-2019-black-tie-event/
