Cheltenham group announces Grand Coronation Ball to raise funds for Imperial Square Gardens’ railings and local Linc Charity

A group of Cheltenham organisations have come together to host a prestigious ball to raise critical funds for Linc, the Gloucestershire blood cancer charity, as well as to help restore the ornamental entrances and railings around Imperial Square Gardens in Cheltenham.

The event announcement follows latest figures from the NHS, released as part of its 75th birthday this year, that patients receiving NHS cancer checks in England has doubled compared to ten years ago.

There were 103,952 urgent referrals for cancer in April 2013, which has risen shapely to 218,060 in April 2023.

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The demand for cancer services over the last 10 years has also skyrocketed with 114,108 more people checked for cancer in May this year compared to the same month a decade ago.

Friends of Imperial Square, Heritage and Conservation (FISHAC), The Queens Hotel Cheltenham, Frank Smith & Co Solicitors, and HeadOn public relations agency have teamed up to host the Grand Coronation Ball.

Named in honour of the coronation of King Charles III, the event will take place on Saturday 3rd February 2024 at The Queens Hotel, which has generously donated use of its Regency Suite.

FISHAC has already raised significant funds for the first phase to reinstate new railings and entrances around Imperial Square Gardens after they were removed 83 years ago with further funds required to complete the project.

Bob Keevil, Chairman at Friends of Imperial Square and Gardens said: “We’re thrilled to be announcing this highly elegant affair which will bring together local businesses and residents to celebrate the spirit of Cheltenham while contributing to two very worthy causes.

"We’d particularly like to thank The Queens Hotel for providing such a stunning venue right in the heart of the town.

"The Hotel, which is on Imperial Square Gardens, has always played an important part in the local community, and the historic prestige of hosting regal events, makes it the perfect setting for this occasion.

“Funds will help towards the ongoing campaign to reinstall the ornamental entrances and railings at Cheltenham’s Imperial Square Gardens, which were removed in 1940 to create armaments as part of the ongoing war effort at that time. The hope is that the restoration will enhance the regency heritage to attract further tourism and business to Cheltenham.

“We’re also delighted to be able to support Linc, a small local charity making a positive difference to people receiving treatment for blood cancer within Gloucestershire Hospitals.”

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This year Linc Charity is celebrating 25 years of providing emotional and financial support to people in Gloucestershire receiving intensive chemotherapy. In 2003 the Linc Outpatient Unit was opened at Cheltenham General Hospital and now sees hundreds of cancer patients a month.

Louise Neal, CEO of Linc Charity, added: “We are delighted to be involved in such a fabulous event in Linc Charity’s important 25th Anniversary Year, celebrating 25 Years of care and support for local blood cancer patients and their families.

The Grand Coronation Ball will host 120 seats with tickets priced at £120 per person, or a table of 10 for £1,100. The white-tie / black-tie event will include a welcome drinks reception, three-course meal, live band and charity auction run by famous local auctioneer, Nicholas Granger of British Bespoke Auctions.