Masked Ball Extravanza
Published on 24th March 2011
Imogen Morizet | 24th March 2011
On Saturday, 2nd April, the Westgate Hall will come to life as a fund raiser with a difference once again proves the unique contribution this century-old building makes to life in our community.
Two Canterbury community groups, the Westgate Community Trust and Skillnet Group, are joining forces to create an opportunity for all who are interested in saving the Hall to have the time of their lives while doing so.
Skillnet Group is drawing together local talent to create a unique evening. Mouth-watering dishes, a free bottle of wine, world class music and dance, not to mention stunning auction prizes – who could ask for more! Local web and graphics design agency, Interactive Red, has kindly produced the dynamic poster.
So, what does the evening hold in store?
Xavier Germàn, the genius behind Canterbury’s Café Mauresque and Café des Amis is creating a succulent Moorish buffet. Refreshing wine will be thanks to the generosity of Clive Barlow of Press Wine Services.
Then, Brendan Power (one of the world’s most creative and versatile harmonica players who has played with Sting, James Galway, Van Morrison, Riverdance and many more) is joining forces with saxophonist, Ivan Thompson of Hullabaloo (the band that produces a brilliant blend of jazz, jive, swing and pop), Simon Foster of Flying Pickets, (the renowned acappella group with protest origins), and Ben Mills, singer, songwriter and musician, who came to fame after coming third on the X Factor in 2006. Who can resist finding out what these musical imaginations will create?
UK champion ballroom dancers, Ian Sharpe and Victoria Lawrence, will glide into the Hall to the rhythms of a piece composed for the evening by Brendan Power. Their wizardry will inspire even the most heavy footed to stand up and start moving across the dance floor.
And a charity auction with a surprise master of ceremonies will tempt everyone’s spirit of adventure. Those long intended golf lessons, wine tasting instruction from a Master of Wine and many more dreams are within reach.
Tickets: £40 per person. You can buy a single or tables for six or ten.
Dress Code: Evening dress, black tie and mask
To book, please contact Terry: 07968 810 638 or Email: wct@westgatecommmunityhall.org.uk
Skillnet Group Community Interest Company supports people with and without learning difficulties to work together to make differences. Jo Kidd, Chief Executive, ‘Skillnet Group is working in partnership with the Westgate Community Trust as we fully support the campaign to save the Hall. As we run a local recording and rehearsal studio — West Track Studios — we had the idea of putting on an awareness raising and fundraising extravaganza for both groups – an exciting event full of top quality music and entertainment. We hope that the Hall will become a sustainable hub run by the local community for the local community, demonstrating dynamic civil society at its very best.’
Skillnet Group, located in St. Dunstan’s, re-invests any profit into its work and local communities. Its West Track Studios is open to all and fully accessible for people using wheelchairs, a rarity in the recording and rehearsal business.
