The Cheltenham Trust held a launch event last night (December 6) for its first collaborative charity event.

Around 30 guests braved the cold to warm themselves with mulled wine at The Garden Bar Orangery at Cheltenham Town Hall.

The Cheltenham Trust will host the Gin and Cabaret Gala night on February 8 at Cheltenham Town Hall, supported by Gloucester Brewery and Fox's Kiln Distillery, with the aim of generating funding to help Emily's Gift reach its £500,000 fundraising target.

At the launch, Laurie Bell, chief executive of The Cheltenham Trust, told guests that she is passionate about supporting the charity. She told guest what an inspirational person its founder, Julie Kent MBE, is. Julie said she was delighted to be given the opportunity to raise more funds with the event.

The gala night will be an opportunity to dress to impress and enjoy a night of glitz and glamour, cabaret, exquisite dining and an exclusive after party, while raising funds for the charity.

Guests at the launch were among the first to book tables for the event.

Laurie Bell said: "The charity collaboration is an extension of the trust's aim to reinvest in the local community and by doing so make a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of local residents and visitors to the town. The Gin and Cabaret Gala is the first charity collaboration, and the trust is pleased and proud to support Emily's Gift for its first event."

Emily's Gift appeal was launched in March 2023 by Julie Kent MBE under the umbrella of The Pied Piper charity. The year-long appeal aims to raise money to fund a psychologist on the Emily Kent Unit at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital for 10 years, to provide invaluable emotional support for children and their families in Gloucestershire to help them cope with trauma.

The Cheltenham Trust is an independent charity which manages the town's venues in Cheltenham, providing a year-round programme of cultural events and entertainment, as well as leisure, sport and heritage.

Through its commercial activities the trust raises funding to deliver free community events and activities, giving thousands of local people and visitors to the town the chance to enjoy live music, entertainment, art and culture.

Tickets for the charity gala night are now on sale with both classic tickets and VIP tickets, which include an exclusive after party. Find out more and book your ticket to support this fundraising event at www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk.

The Emily's Gift appeal comes to an end in March 2024.