One of the biggest and brightest charitable events in the region’s calendar took place at Rudding Park Hotel in Harrogate on Saturday November 10^th and once again Yorkshire dug deep – with over a quarter of a million pounds raised for Barnardo’s for the 4th consecutive year.

The Firecracker Ball, which is now in its 17^th year supporting the world famous children’s charity, takes place every November in a huge themed marquee attached to Rudding Park Hotel, and this year over 680 guests were transported through the marquee and into the dazzling Brazilian Carnival.

Highlights of the ball included moving speeches from a group of young people supported by Barnardo’s in Bradford (ages 10-22); an auction of ‘money can’t buy’ prizes, including lots donated by Sir Paul McCartney and The Angels Events and a performance from pop sensation, Sophie Ellis-Bextor.

All funds raised on the night will be donated to Barnardo’s in Yorkshire, who each year help almost 14,000 children, young people and their families in over 80 specialised projects in local communities. Since the first Firecracker Ball for Barnardo’s in 2002, the event has now raised over £2.8 million.

As well as attending the ball, Phillip Stoner donated a 1ct Asscher Cut Diamond plus a £1000 Gift Voucher to have it made into a beautiful piece of jewellery in their Leeds workshop. The hugely successful diamond raffle raises much needed money for Barnardo’s each year and the jeweller is thrilled to be involved.