Star-studded gala dinner is talk of ‘this town’ raising record £180,000

4th March 2025

A record £180,000 has been raised for life-changing care at a star-studded black-tie dinner for Acorns Children’s Hospice.

The charity was the talk of ‘this town’ on Friday night (28 February) as a host of famous faces and charity supporters came together for the highly-anticipated Acorns ‘This Town’ Gala Dinner.

Music legend Neville Staple, frontman of The Specials, headlined the unforgettable evening of entertainment at the ICC Birmingham, inspired by the award-winning BBC drama This Town. The unmissable event was made possible thanks to the generous support of the show’s creator Steven Knight alongside Kudos (part of Banijay UK), the production company behind the series.

Adding to the magic were recreated sets and the iconic space suit from This Town, plus special appearances from some of the show’s main cast, including Levi Brown, Ben Rose, Eve Austin and Jordan Bolger, as well as Steven Knight himself.

“Tonight, we came together as one big Acorns family”

Dedicated Patron of Acorns, Steven Knight said: “This was an evening that only Birmingham could put on and showed our city and the West Midlands at their very best. It was a brilliant showcase of what makes this region so special and all for the best possible cause.”

Guests at Acorns ‘This Town’ Gala Dinner were taken on a journey through 1980s Birmingham to enjoy the vibrant ska and two-tone music scenes that capture a pivotal moment in local history and feature prominently within the show.

Hosted by Dave Sharpe, the evening included performances from rising RnB star Indigo Marshall and reggae revivalists Young Culture Band. Birmingham Poet Laureate 2020-2022, Casey Bailey, also gave a bespoke performance seen nowhere else, including a moving tribute to former Acorns Patron, activist and poet, the late great Benjamin Zephaniah.

An electrifying live auction featuring one-of-a-kind items saw a piece of rock history go under the hammer, raising an incredible £15,000.

The 2024 Gibson SG Electric Guitar, generously donated and signed by music icon Ozzy Osbourne, included autographs from an all-star lineup of musicians from his 2024 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.

The record £180,000 raised in total on the night will help Acorns continue its life-changing care for children with life limiting and life threatening conditions across the West Midlands and support for their families.

Trevor Johnson, Chief Executive at Acorns, said: “What an incredible evening – a true celebration of everything that makes Birmingham and the West Midlands so special! We are truly overwhelmed by the staggering £180,000 raised.

“Music, history, and community are central to the series that inspired our gala dinner, but perhaps the most poignant theme is family. Tonight, we came together as one big Acorns family, united in our commitment to support the children and families who rely on our vital care.

“I am deeply humbled by the generosity of everyone who helped make this event such a success. None of this would have been possible without our amazing performers, the kindness of our guests and the wonderful support of Steven Knight and Kudos. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

“What we’ve achieved together is truly remarkable. The funds raised tonight will enable us to continue providing life-changing care to children and families across our region when they need it most.”

Acorns Children’s Hospice provides specialist palliative care for babies, children and young people with life limiting and life threatening conditions, and support for their families.

In the last year, the charity has cared for more than 780 children across the West Midlands, and supported over 1,000 families, including those who are bereaved. Children visit Acorns for rehabilitative respite, symptom management, emergency and end-of-life care,

This care and support is provided from Acorns three hospices, based in Birmingham, Walsall and Worcester, and in the community.

Acorns needs around £35,000 each day to provide its children’s hospice care, with two thirds of that amount coming from generous donations and fundraising by the local community.

Help can’t wait for children and families who desperately need Acorns vital care and support. Donate today by visiting www.acorns.org.uk/donate