Harrogate's Snowball will return this December, inviting guests to bring a toy for a child in need.
The charity ball takes place at the Old Swan Hotel on Saturday 5th December, with tables now available for groups of friends and colleagues.
Guests will enjoy a three-course dinner, live music from Func on the Rocks and close-up magic from magician Simon Hughes.
The evening runs from 7pm to 12:30am, with tickets costing £70 per person.
Every guest is asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy, which will be added to a sleigh as they arrive.
The gifts will go to Leeds Children’s Charity, which supports disadvantaged children through Lineham Farm, and the Salvation Army to help families in deprived areas of North Yorkshire.
Snowball Chair Sally Bickerton said:
“Watching the sleigh fill up is sobering and emotional. It’s a reminder of the difference one present can make to a child’s Christmas morning. That’s why we do it every year.
“It is a fun event and lovely for people to let their hair down as the Christmas season starts.”
Founded in 1947 by Edward Swales at the Astoria Ballroom in Leeds, the Snowball began with the same aim: collecting Christmas presents for children who would otherwise go without.
Organisers say ticket prices cover the costs of the evening, with the focus on collecting toys rather than making a profit.
The ball later moved to Ilkley before arriving at Harrogate’s Majestic Hotel in the early 1990s. It has been held at the Old Swan since 2017.
It has been cancelled only once, during the Covid-19 pandemic, when the toy collection still went ahead with funding from the Snowball Account.
Sally also recalled a tradition from the event’s early years.
She said:
“Long-standing guests will remember the Astoria days, when the evening’s namesake snowballs – huge balls of cotton wool – were hurled around the room for most of the night.
“The tradition came to an abrupt end after a few years, when a snowball dunked in beer was thrown at the band and landed inside an electric guitar. A health and safety nightmare!
“These days, the only things thrown around are shapes on the dance floor. Tables are now selling, so please join us.”
Tables seat between six and 12 guests, and applications must be received by Friday 30th October.
Bookings can be made through the Harrogate Snowball website or by contacting Tracy O’Keefe at harrogatesnowball@gmail.com.
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