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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Entertainment
Katie Gallagher

Julian Benson’s Winter Wonderland Gala Ball to make ‘sparkletastic’ return this year

Julian Benson’s Winter Wonderland Gala Ball is making a ‘sparkletastic’ return this year.

After a two-year break during the pandemic, Julian’s Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has announced the annual event will return on 10th December in the Clayton Hotel on Burlington Road, Ballsbridge.

Revealing the news, former Dancing with the Stars judge, Julian said: “The last few years have been difficult for everyone, we’ve all been hiding away but I am so happy to say that we are back.

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“The Winter Wonderland Gala Ball is very close to my heart and I am so grateful to everyone who gives their time to make it a reality. It’s going to be a fabulous night of amazing entertainment, fine dining and of course there will be lots and lots of sparkle… in fact it will be sparkletastic!

“This night is all about raising as much money as we can whilst spreading a little Christmas joy and magic.

“We are hoping to smash our previous fundraising targets so we can provide a home from home for CF patients and their families.”

Julian Benson at the Julian Benson CF Foundation 2019 Winter Wonderland Ball at the Clayton Hotel, Dublin (Brian McEvoy)

The star-studded gala event will see Julian, who was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis as a child, call on his friends from the world of entertainment to celebrate, perform and support his CF foundation.

The night will be hosted by TV personality Lorraine Keane.She said: “I am delighted to MC this very special night to raise money for Cystic Fibrosis and support my friend Julian who is tireless in his efforts to raise awareness of and funds for The Julian Benson CF Foundation. “Julian is an inspiration to us all and it’s going to be a fabulous night.”

Despite the enforced hiatus, organisers said the charity has gone from strength to strength and Julian has continued to ‘sprinkle some of his magic’ helping those who need it most and ensuring the charity delivers its promises to the public.

Four hundred guests from the worlds of business, media and entertainment will attend alongside hardworking medics who devote their lives to helping people with Cystic Fibrosis.

The exclusive black-tie ball promises to be a truly magical affair, and includes a champagne cocktail reception, a four-course meal, incredible auction prizes, dazzling entertainment and dancing until late.

Award winning percussion ensemble Extreme Rhythm Dancers will get hearts racing and toes tapping with a drumming performance, while Fly Youth Dance Company will bring their energy to the stage with high-octane dance routines.

Aerial artist Lisette Krol, winner of The Big Deal on Virgin Media, will entertain with gravity defying mid-air performances.

Music will come from the Galway City Chamber Choir and The Honey Dews.

There will be some 1950s glamour injected into the night with an exclusive dance performance from The Blonde Bombshell – a new Irish International production reflecting the life of Hollywood superstar Marilyn Monroe.

Dancing until late will be provided by The Event Band with feature performances from West End stars Susan Mc Fadden, Louise Bowden and Kevin Fagan.

The Julian Benson CF Foundation was founded in 2018 to provide much needed support and respite to people with CF and their families.

Since the charity’s inception Julian has worked tirelessly to raise funds for an accommodation facility for families of people with CF during times of hospitalisation, as he knows first-hand the needs and challenges that people suffering with CF and their families must face.

Details on how to purchase a table can be found online here.

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