Sell-Out Success for Welwyn Garden City Rotary Club’s Jazz on the Island Event

Sell-Out Success for Annual Jazz on the Island Fundraiser

By A Joseph  WGC Rotary Club Communications Team

A Spectacular Afternoon of Music and Community Spirit

The Rotary Club of Welwyn Garden City is delighted to announce that this year’s annual Jazz on the Island fundraiser was a resounding, sell-out success. Welcoming a capacity crowd of 200 guests, the event delivered a brilliant afternoon of live music, competitive entertainment, and community fundraising.

Thanks to the exceptional generosity of attendees, the event generated a phenomenal £3,355 in total profit. These vital funds will be channelled directly into supporting impactful local causes and regional health initiatives, including the club’s recent £500 contribution to the Lister Hospital neonatal training campaign.

An Exceptional Musical Line-up

Guests on the island were treated to a diverse and high-calibre programme of live music throughout the afternoon. The club extends its sincere thanks to the talented performers who kept the crowd thoroughly entertained:

• The acclaimed Simon Spillett Quartet

• Local favourite George Anthony

• The energetic St Albans U3A Swing Band

• The delightful Welwyn Hatfield U3A Ukulele Band

Ducks, Raffles, and Fundraising Records

Beyond the music, the afternoon featured plenty of friendly competition and fundraising activities. The river came alive for the highly anticipated annual duck race, which saw a record 300 novelty ducks take to the water.

Indoors, the grand raffle proved to be an outstanding success on its own, generating an impressive £658 toward the final total.

Powered Entirely by Volunteer Dedication

Staging an event of this scale requires immense behind-the-scenes effort. This year, the operation was managed by a dedicated team of 17 Rotarians and friends of Rotary who did the heavy lifting to ensure everything ran seamlessly on the day.

We also owe a massive debt of gratitude to our brilliant local youth groups: the Girl Guides, who provided invaluable volunteer help on the ground, and the Scouts, who kindly lent us essential equipment for the day. In recognition of this fantastic community spirit, the Council was proud to approve a donation of £300 to each group.

The club also wishes to extend a very formal, special thank you to Edna. Her tireless commitment, organisation, and enduring dedication remain the driving force behind the continued success of Jazz on the Island year after year.

The Rotary Club of Welwyn Garden City extends its heartfelt gratitude to everyone who purchased tickets, sponsored ducks, and bought raffle tickets. Your support enables us to continue putting Service Above Self right here in our community.

Up Next: Taking to the Skies for the Centenary Wing Walk

The fundraising momentum does not stop on the island. The club's next major event is an exhilarating charity Wing Walk, organised by our Club Secretary, Amanda.

Ten courageous flyers are preparing to take to the skies to raise funds for our centenary projects. If you would like to sponsor Amanda or any of the participants, please visit the official fundraising page below.