Our Big Band Fundraising Gala Dinner 2026

OUR GALA DINNER 2025

What a night!

Widnes Rotary Club celebrated a hugely successful Gala Dinner, raising an impressive £11,237 for Halton Cancer Support Group.

Held at the DCBL Stadium in Widnes, the event brought together local businesses, community supporters and friends for an evening of entertainment and fundraising.

Guests enjoyed a superb performance from the 16 piece Phil Shotton Big Band featuring singer Chris James, while generous support for the raffle and auction helped contribute to the outstanding fundraising total.  The evening finished off with DJ Roy Basnett keeping the dance floor busy into the early hours! 

The event was made possible through the generous sponsorship together with support from programme advertisers and raffle prize donors from across the local community.

President Damian Ord said: “We are delighted with the amount raised and grateful to everyone who supported the event. The generosity shown by our sponsors, guests, advertisers and volunteers will help Halton Cancer Support continue its invaluable work for local people and their families.”

The Gala Dinner reflects Widnes Rotary's ongoing commitment to serving the community through fundraising, volunteering and partnership working. The club looks forward to building on this success and continuing to support worthwhile causes across Halton and beyond.

A huge THANK YOU to our brilliant sponsors: Miller Homes Ltd, Business Lodge Widnes, Landscape World Ltd, Custom UPVC Windows, Hough Green Garage Ltd and Parklands Sports Club! 

To all our programme advertisers:

JET Engineering, WMR - scrap metal recycling, Neil & Barker, Bold Street Garage, North West Contracts Widnes Ltd, MKM Building Supplies, Frazer Group, Gerrard O’Donnell Widnes, CG Signature Kitchens and Bedrooms Ltd, Morbaine, Widnes Electrical Supplies Ltd, Adams Estate Agents Runcorn & Widnes and WNJ Accountants.

Big thanks as well to everyone who bought raffle tickets, got involved in the auction, donated, or simply came along — you all helped make the night really special

Thanks too, to Chicks On Wheels for dressing the tables - they looked fabulous! 

We’re also really grateful to all the businesses, organisations, and individuals who donated raffle and auction prizes, including:

Widnes Vikings Rugby League Club, John Geddes Cycles, Widnes Golf Club, Childwall Golf Club, The Woodlands Widnes, Flowers by Jenny Penny, Ryman Widnes, Beauty By Helen French, Rivendell Garden Centre, The Four Topped Oak, Widnes Tennis Club, Asda Widnes and friends and members of our amazing Rotary family.

Once again, our community showed what can happen when people come together for a good cause.

A wonderful night in aid of the brilliant charity Halton Cancer Support Group, who do so much for our community.  Well done for all you do and long may it continue! 

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