NE Youth’s Burns Night Ball Raises £18,500 for Charity in a Spectacular Celebration
On the eve of Burns Night, NE Youth hosted its annual Burns Night Ball at The Grand Hotel, Gosforth Park—a highlight in our charity’s calendar. Proudly sponsored by Northern Garden Sheds, the event brought together 350 guests for an unforgettable evening of Scottish tradition, entertainment, and fundraising in celebration of our 90th anniversary.
A Night of Scottish Tradition and Fundraising
Guests were welcomed into a beautifully themed ballroom, setting the stage for a night of Scottish culture, fine dining, and charitable giving. The evening was expertly hosted by the charismatic Anna Foster, who kept the energy high throughout the night.
A lively Heads or Tails game kicked off the festivities, offering exciting prizes, including a Prosecco afternoon tea at The Grand Hotel and a luxury wine and spirits hamper.
Adding to the authentic Scottish atmosphere, the Donna Kimberly School of Highland Dancing delivered a captivating performance, showcasing traditional Highland dance. The Piping of the Haggis and a reading of Robert Burns’ famous Address to a Haggis—performed by Ian Slater—further honoured the evening’s heritage.
A Feast Fit for Burns Night
The three-course Scottish feast delighted guests, starting with a warming soup and fresh bread rolls, followed by the traditional haggis, neeps, and tatties, and finishing with a classic sticky toffee pudding with custard.
Exciting Auction and Ceilidh Dancing
The event also featured a thrilling charity auction, with 15 incredible prizes generously donated by supporters including Barbour, Vertu BMW, The Inn Collection Group, The Grand Hotel Gosforth Park, Ray Laidlaw of Lindisfarne, and Northern Garden Sheds. Competitive bidding helped raise vital funds for NE Youth’s programmes.
With spirits high, guests took to the dance floor as the Robert Whitehead Band led them through lively ceilidh dances, followed by an energetic performance from Storm Band, ensuring the night ended on a high note.
Over £18,500 Raised for NE Youth’s Vital Services
Dave Clayton, Managing Director of Northern Garden Sheds, expressed his delight:
“This is our second year sponsoring NE Youth’s Burns Night Ball, and we are thrilled to see over £18,500 raised. These funds will make a real difference in supporting young people across the region.”
Jon Niblo, Chief Executive of NE Youth, highlighted the importance of the event:
“Our Burns Night Ball is a key fundraising event, celebrating Scottish traditions while supporting young people. In our 90th anniversary year, we aim to raise £90,000 to expand our services. Thank you to our sponsors, donors, and guests for making this night a huge success!”
Join Us for Our 90th Anniversary Gala Dinner
Following the success of our Burns Night Ball, we are excited to host our Gala Dinner at The Fed, Gateshead, on 10th April. This special event will continue our mission to support young people.
Get involved! Tickets are available now on our website.
A heartfelt thank you to all our guests, sponsors, and volunteers for making this Burns Night Ball a night to remember. We look forward to welcoming you again in 2026!
