East Yorkshire Charity Ball 2025: How A Glamorous Night Out Can Help Grant Magical Wishes For Sick Children

Not every party changes lives—but this one might. If you live in East Yorkshire and fancy a reason to get dressed up for a good cause, here’s something that could warm your heart as much as your wine glass. On Friday, 4 July 2025, the charity When You Wish Upon A Star is hosting a summer ball in Cottingham and the money raised will go straight towards making dreams come true for children battling life-threatening and terminal illnesses.

It’s the kind of event that lets you enjoy a lovely night out, knowing you’re doing something seriously good at the same time.

Image source: https://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/spectacular-charity-ball-hosted-emmerdale-10181716

A party with a purpose

Let’s face it, most of us like an excuse to go somewhere fancy. Add in a live band, a three-course meal, and the chance to bump into a soap star, and you've got yourself a proper night out. But what sets this one apart is what it’s all for.

When You Wish Upon A Star has been around since 1990, and in that time, they’ve granted over 19,300 wishes—everything from meeting celebrities to going on dream holidays. Now, to celebrate their 35th anniversary, they’re aiming to raise £350,000 across the UK. This ball is one piece of that puzzle.

If you've ever watched a child’s face light up when they see something magical, you’ll understand just how much this matters.

What to expect on the night

Here’s the scoop: the event is happening at the Lazaat Hotel in Cottingham, and it’s being hosted by none other than Chris Chittell, aka Eric Pollard from Emmerdale. Even if you’re not a soap fan, chances are your nan is—and she’d probably tell you not to miss this one.

The evening includes:

• A swing band led by Joe Allen, so you’ll want your dancing shoes.
• A three-course meal, courtesy of the hotel (who’ve generously donated the venue, food and even their staff’s time).
• A live auction, with prizes like holidays to Tenerife and the Costa del Sol (though you’ll need to sort your own flights).
• And, of course, the feel-good factor of knowing every penny helps bring joy to children facing the unthinkable.

Tickets are £55 each, or £50 per person if you’re booking a table of ten. So grab your mates, your partner, your mum, whoever, and book in for a night that really means something.

Why these wishes matter

Let’s break it down. A child dealing with a serious illness doesn’t just miss school or feel poorly they miss out on being a kid. No carefree play, no spontaneous trips, no sense of normality. That’s where When You Wish Upon A Star steps in, offering families a break from the hospital appointments and endless worry.

As Angus O’Donnell, the charity’s regional fundraiser, put it:

“A life-threatening illness doesn’t just affect one person, it affects an entire community.”

He added:

“Our mission is simple—to grant dream wishes to children with life-threatening and terminal illnesses. We aim to reach more families across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, grant more wishes, and make a lasting impact.”

Imagine being a kid stuck in hospital for months, then suddenly finding out you're going to Disneyland, or meeting your football hero. That’s what this charity makes happen.

Quick facts: everything you need to know

• Where? Lazaat Hotel, Cottingham, East Yorkshire
• When? Friday 4 July 2025
• Tickets? £55 each, or £50 per person for a table of 10
• How to book? Call 0115 979 1720 (ext 113)
• Hosted by? Chris Chittell (Emmerdale’s Eric Pollard)
• Live music? Yes – Joe Allen’s swing band
• Dinner included? Absolutely
• Auction prizes? Yes – including overseas holidays

The big picture: a fun night that really counts

You don’t need to be a millionaire to help out. Just turning up, having a good time, and buying a ticket puts more magic into the lives of children who desperately need it. And honestly, isn’t that what charity should be about?

Whether you're someone who loves a bit of glamour, or you just want to do something kind without running a marathon or baking 300 cupcakes, this summer ball could be your perfect way in.

So go on—book your seat, dust off that suit or sparkly dress, and let your night out be someone else’s dream come true.

Find out more at whenyouwishuponastar.org.uk or get in touch with Angus to grab your tickets.