Party-goers are in for a super cool night of red hot entertainment at a gala charity event to kick-start the festive season.

The ‘Fire and Ice’ Christmas Ball, organised by Francis House Children’s Hospice, will be held on Friday, December 7, at The Mere Golf and Spa Resort near Knutsford.

Sparkling entertainment will be provided by compere Sarah Powell and turning up the heat to get the audience bidding will be Thomas Plant from TV’s Bargain Hunt and Flog it.

The popular auctioneer and valuer returns to the stage, to drum up excitement for ‘must-have’ auction prizes including VIP hospitality tickets to the British Tour Car Championship at Silverstone.

Tickets include an ice-cold arrival drink and three course meal. Live band music will keep over 400 party-goers on the dancefloor until 1.30am on the Saturday morning.

Last year’s event raised a staggering £101,000 profit for the hospice which provides care for children and young adults with life-limiting conditions as well as support for their families. 

Lucy Thompson, events manager at Francis House said: “Our annual Christmas Ball is one of our biggest fundraising evenings and is a great reason to get dressed up and have a superb night out whilst raising lots of money for a wonderful cause.

“The Fire and Ice Christmas Ball is almost sold out but we do have a few tables left. We would love to see some new faces come along and join us for a night not to be missed.”

Tables of 10 are priced at £750.For more information visit

www.francishouse.org.uk, or to book contact

lucy.thompson@francishouse.org.uk or call 07841 530 248.

The doors of Francis House will be open to the public on Saturday, Nov 3, for a glimpse behind the scenes.

The annual viewing day will reveal recently upgraded facilities at the hospice that supports more than 500 families from across the north west.  

Anyone who wants to go along and learn more about the care provided can turn up at anytime between 10 am and 4 pm.  Refreshments and merchandise are available to purchase. Francis House is on Parrswood Road, Didsbury. No children or young people will be using the hospice at the time.