The Christmas Ball view photos

6 December 2003

The Sheraton Grande Hotel and Spa, Edinburgh

Back with a bang after the Trust’s first ball and if we didn’t get it entirely right the last time, we definitely did this time. Lizzie’s room décor, reminiscent of Narnia, took our breath away. Craig McMurdo entertained us with a unique cabaret performance between courses and the Tenors stole the night, with a major contribution from Amici Forever to conclude the entertainment before dancing.

Celebrities were the main attraction with fans waiting patiently outside the Sheraton Grande Hotel for the arrival of Joan Collins and Cilla Black – not forgetting our favourite auctioneer and future Celebrity in the Jungle winner Mr Biggins, our auctioneer. The night raised a phenomenal £410,000 and included the best of prizes: a shoot with Rory Bremner; golf with Rory Bremner too; an Anne Magill painting; a five star trip to New York staying at the Plaza and a Broadway musical thrown in; plus golf at three of the best hotels in Scotland with a Mercedes thrown in!

And again we have diamonds and cars - this time, diamond earrings by Hamilton and Inches and a Jaguar too.

The night rolled on until the wee small hours with breakfast to follow the banqueting dinner some time later!