The annual event returns bringing together the region’s most prolific businesses– and the theme and line-up announcement has been revealed.
The Firecracker Ball is returning to Rudding Park Hotel on Saturday, 9th November, 2024 and this year guests will be transported to a magical midnight garden. Guests will be left starstruck after huge names from the world of entertainment have committed to supporting the event this year, including; Alfie Boe OBE, Angus Ashworth and, back by popular demand, Rick Parfitt Jr and the RPJ band.
Alfie Boe OBE is an award-winning tenor known for his versatility across theatre, music and TV. He’s had 11 top 10 albums, including two number 1's, having sold more than one million albums in the United Kingdom alone. As well as being a multi-platinum selling recording artist, Alfie is well known and loved for his performances as Jean Valjean in the musical Les Misérables in the West End, the 25th Anniversary Concert, and the 2014 Broadway revival, and he is heading out on a Worldwide Arena tour in September this year. The Firecracker Ball guests attending on the evening will enjoy an intimate performance by Alfie as they enjoy dinner.
This year’s auction will be hosted by Angus Ashworth. Known as the Yorkshire Auctioneer, Angus is an antiques expert and auctioneer with his own auction house, Ryedale Auctioneers, in Kirkbymoorside, North Yorkshire. Angus and his team feature in TV series The Yorkshire Auction House and he is a regular expert on the BBC's Antiques Road Trip.
Having caused a storm last year, rock sensation, Rick Parfitt Jnr and his band will once again keep the party going well into the night. Son of the late Rick Parfitt of Status Quo, Rick is a fireball of energy on stage. He has a unique talent to engage with his audience and has been wowing big crowds for over 10 years. His band, The RPJ Band features talented musicians with a diverse touring and recording history, having worked with artists ranging from Robbie Williams to Lily Allen and James Morrison.
Speaking about performing at this year’s Firecracker Ball, Rick said: “We are so excited to be performing again at The Firecracker Ball. It was fantastic last year, and the crowd were electric. It was an honour to be a part of an event that raises a significant amount of money for Barnardo’s every year. I can’t wait to bring the fun, energy and downright rock ‘n’ roll back to the Firecracker Ball.”
Chair of the Firecracker Ball committee, Tom Dempsey, said: “We’re thrilled to have Rick joining us again for this year’s Firecracker Ball celebrations as well as welcoming Alfie and Angus for the first time. This truly is a star-studded line up and I’m sure their combined presence will ensure this year is one not to be missed.”
Back supporting the Firecracker Ball in 2024 are headline co-sponsors The Evans Property Group, Tudor Freight International as well as business partners Angels Events, PR and digital marketing agency Source, Commercial Services Design Limited, TheBusinessDesk.com, Beautiful Recruitment LLP, Cookridge Estates, Propaganda, Rudding Park Hotel, Dakota Hotel and Team Print Services.
Berry’s Jewellers will return to showcase its finest jewellery and exclusive watches and Yorkshire-based Privilege Executive Cars is also on-board as a sponsor and official executive travel partner.
Now in its 23rd year supporting children’s charity Barnardo’s, The Firecracker Ball helps to change the lives of thousands of children and young people across the region - having raised almost £3.4m for the charity to date.
Tom continued: “The Firecracker Ball is a fabulous opportunity to host clients or friends at a truly memorable and unique event. It’s a must for Yorkshire’s leading corporate businesses and entrepreneurs, with companies and individuals returning year on year and 2024’s line-up is one you don’t want to miss!”
Kirsty Guy, Barnardo’s senior relationship manager, said: “Money raised at the Firecracker Ball is helping to make sure that Barnardo’s can continue to change childhoods and change lives across Yorkshire. We are incredibly proud of our work across the region, keeping children, young people, and families safe, happy, healthy, and hopeful.”
