Your Harrogate Radio

10:00pm - 7:00am

Email the studio

KT Tunstall

Black Horse and the Cherry Tree

Listen Live Podcasts

Harrogate care home's Christmas ball raises £18,500

Thursday, 11 December 2025 10:18

The 8th annual Harrogate Neighbours Christmas ball at Rudding Park.

Harrogate Neighbours is celebrating another successful evening of festive generosity after hosting its 8th annual charity event.

The not-for-profit care provider welcomed 180 guests to Rudding Park Hotel last Friday (5th December) and raised a whopping £18,500.

“The Magic of Christmas” fundraiser will directly support Harrogate Neighbours’ award-winning Meals on Wheels service and the Harrogate Neighbours Community Hub located on Starbeck High Street.

The magical night began with a Love Actually-inspired performance by Gospel choir, Sankofa.

Following this, guests enjoyed a three-course meal of festive favourites, live music and dancing,

CEO of Harrogate Neighbours, Sue Cawthray, who transformed into Mrs Claus for the night, said:

“It was pure magic to see the look on the guests faces when the choir performed – it was a really special moment.”

This year’s headline sponsors included AVL, Ison Harrison and Design Tonic.

An array of raffle prizes were also generously donated; these included, a signed Vinnie Jones portrait, tickets to the Royal Albert Hall Box to watch a Christmas Carol Concert, and a two-night cottage escape courtesy of The West Park Hotel.

Funds raised will help Harrogate Neighbours invest in new, state-of-the-art equipment to enhance the packaging and delivery of hot meals to those who rely on the Meals on Wheels service daily.

The money will also help the Harrogate Neighbours Community Hub continue opening its doors to support and connect people most in need.

Sue Cawthray, CEO of Harrogate Neighbours, added:

“We are absolutely thrilled by the success of this year’s event.

“The Magic of Christmas” truly lived up to its name – the atmosphere was incredible, and we are overwhelmed by the generosity of everyone who attended.

“Every penny raised will help us further develop our Meals on Wheels service so we can reach even more people who depend on a hot meal and a friendly face.

“We are deeply grateful for the ongoing support from local businesses and our wonderful community who make everything we do possible.”

More from Local News

Harrogate NHS awarded £2 million for cutting waiting times

Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust (HDFT) has been awarded £2 million to recognise its success in reducing waiting times for elective care and treatment.
Local MP visits Harrogate College amid £20million redevelopment

Local MP Tom Gordon visited Harrogate College last week to see progress on its £20 million redevelopment – a long-awaited transformation he fought hard to secure for the community.
New sandwich shop to open on Knaresborough Road

A new sandwich shop is preparing to open its doors in Harrogate.
Yorkshire Baby Show announces return to Harrogate in spring

The Yorkshire Baby & Toddler Show is set to return to Harrogate next spring, organisers have announced.
Weetons named as winners of Christmas shop window competition

The winner of this year's Harrogate Christmas Shop Window competition was announced last night (Wednesday) following a record number of entries.
Knaresborough Young Farmers announce return of Christmas tree collection service

Knaresborough Young Farmers are preparing to bring back their annual Christmas tree collection scheme, supporting St Michael's Hospice and Yorkshire Air Ambulance.
Your Harrogate and Harrogate Town to partner for return of Local Hero Awards

Your Harrogate and Harrogate Town will be teaming up for the fifth annual Local Hero Awards, returning to Rudding Park in 2026.
Harrogate appoints night marshals for festive season

Night marshals are taking to the streets of Harrogate throughout the festive season to ensure residents and visitors feel safe.
Search continues for missing man who could be in Harrogate

As police searches continue, the family of missing man Robert Rees-Hughes have described him as 'the most gentle and loving person'.
Harrogate dad living with epilepsy shares hope for festive season he can remember

A father from Harrogate is hoping this will be a Christmas to remember after previous festive seasons were wiped from his memory by epilepsy.
Ripon BID named as finalist at national awards

Ripon BID has been named as a finalist in the prestigious National BID Awards 2026.
Man arrested in Harrogate after hitting woman 'multiple times in the head'

Police are appealing for information about an assault that occurred in Harrogate last week.
Yorkshire Water finally lifts five-month hosepipe ban

Yorkshire Water has lifted its hosepipe ban today (Wednesday), bringing an end to restrictions that have affected more than five million people since July.
Fundraiser launched to help Starbeck boy take his first independent steps

A fundraising campaign has been launched to help a Starbeck boy access specialist physiotherapy and help him take his first steps.
Harrogate jeweller to give away free gift cards to swift shoppers

A Harrogate jeweller is trading treats for festive spirit this Christmas – and giving shoppers the chance to walk away with a free gift card.
Don't blame wildlife for £11.7m Kex Gill overspend, say Green councillors

Financial mismanagement rather than a requirement to protect wildlife caused an £11.7m overspend on a major road building scheme, opposition councillors claim.
Suicide prevention bench installed in Harrogate's Valley Gardens

A suicide prevent bench has been installed in Harrogate’s Valley Gardens as part of a mental health awareness campaign.
Family of teenager killed near Pateley Bridge raise £6,700 in his memory

Family and supporters of a teenager was killed in a fatal hit and run incident have raised more than £6,700 in his memory.
Harrogate artists unveil stunning festive mural at Harrogate Hospital

Three local artists have unveiled a stunning Christmas mural in the front window of Harrogate Hospital.
Rudding Park wins national award for best short golf course

Rudding Park in Harrogate is celebrating having won Best Short Course at the Golf Course Awards held at Emirates Stadium in London.