St Catherine’s brings back the bling for fabulous Bollywood Night

The glitz and glamour of Bollywood will fill the St Catherine’s Hospice garden marquee for an evening of traditional Indian music, dancing, authentic food, and bling-tastic décor this summer.

The Lostock Hall charity is once again teaming up with Preston-based Neesh Events, which specialises in Asian weddings and parties, to bring back the bling and celebrate Indian culture at its second Bollywood Night fundraiser on Friday, 3^rd June.

And guests are being given the chance to support the charity further by purchasing saris for the occasion from the hospice’s on-site gift shop. A range of colourful, gorgeous garments are on offer to help people really get into the Bollywood spirit, and a dedicated sari-fitting service will be provided for free on the night.

The spectacular event was a huge hit when it was first introduced as part of the hospice’s 30^th anniversary celebrations last year, giving everyone the chance to experience Bollywood culture, so the charity decided to organise the event again – giving supporters a great night out whilst raising important funds.

Ravish Limbachia, creative director at Neesh Events, said he was excited at being asked back for this year’s Bollywood extravaganza, which will be held in the grounds of St Catherine’s Park from 7pm.

“People were blown away by the décor, entertainment and food last year, and everyone really enjoyed themselves,” he said.

“There were people of all different ages and backgrounds, and every single person was up dancing, having a great time.

“It was a new venture for us, doing a charity fundraising event as opposed to a wedding. It was exciting to have the freedom to experiment with a few creative ideas – and people loved it.

“We’re delighted that the hospice is hosting another Bollywood Night, and we’re hoping for another sell-out event.

“Bollywood is about loudness, bling, glitz and glamour. It’s a showcase, and people can look forward to even more magic at this summer’s event.”

Along with tasting a selection of mouth-watering cuisine, learning some traditional dance moves and being transported into a whirl of sparkle and colour inside the fabulous summer marquee, there will also be an opportunity for guests to jazz up their outfits with professional henna tattoo art.

“The idea is to bring different communities together and really show them what St Catherine’s is all about,” Ravish added. “Some people think hospices are gloomy places, but St Catherine’s is so welcoming and peaceful, where patients and their families are treated and cared for so well by the amazing staff.

“That’s what the Asian community needs, because people are very close-knit, and if we can raise awareness of hospice care to those families, and open up the doors to Indian culture to St Catherine’s supporters, that’s what we’re trying to achieve – all whilst having loads of fun!”

Emma Jacovelli, fundraiser at St Catherine’s Hospice and Bollywood Night organiser, said: “Last year’s Bollywood Night was a real highlight in our calendar of 30th anniversary celebrations so it made sense to bring it back and offer our supporters another really unique night out this summer.

“Not only will the occasion be fabulous fun, the proceeds from the night will help to fund our specialised care for local people when it really matters most.”

Tickets for the Bollywood Night are £25 from www.stcatherines.co.uk or by calling 01772 629171. People can also buy tickets – and choose a sari for the evening – from the hospice’s reception in Lostock Lane.

View last year’s gallery here.

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