Sporting an array of outfits including top hats, aviator goggles, odd socks and even ‘oddly’ coloured eyes – guests of The Odd Ball 2016 fully embraced the steampunk to black tie ‘anything goes’ dress code and arrived to meet their hosts Sarah Parish and James Murray at The Hilton at the Ageas Bowl, Southampton on the 19th November 2016.
Guests were whisked into the reception area by butlers on stilts for live music and a glass of champagne. Bronzed living statues looked on as the room filled up with over 300 people.
The doors flung open to the glittered and littered ballroom as junk percussionists Clatteratti started the show with a crash, bang and whistle on the chequered dance floor.
Sarah Parish and Stephen Tompkinson welcomed everyone with a game of Trash & Tiaras and the last one standing was the winner of a prize Fortnum & Mason Hamper donated by Ageas Insurance.
Throughout the evening guests bid on various lots in the Silent Auction with running totals appearing on the big screens. They also had the opportunity to buy tickets for our glitzy ‘Diamond Raffle’ gifted to the cause by Jeremy France Jewellers.
During a three-course feast James Murray took to the stage and gave a short speech. He talked about the founding of The Murray Parish Trust back in 2009, their achievements so far and explained the importance of the charity’s current life- saving appeal #2MillionSteps. Giving special thanks to organisers of the event as well as to some of our marathon fundraisers who were in attendance, James also highlighted the Barker-Mill Foundation and Daily Echo appeal for #2MillionSteps.
George Burnand’s auction chant was on point and hugely entertaining as he led the Live Auction which included some incredible lots.
The entertainment truly got underway with a spectacular hula hooping display from Britain’s Got Talent’s very own Lisa Sampson followed by a unique and raucous performance from Stavros Flatley (BGT) who’s show brought everyone to their feet with the party continuing late into the night with Urban Groove’s live DJ performance set.
The Odd Ball 2016 raised an incredible £68,624 for our #2MillionSteps appeal. We would like to thank everyone who came on the night and supported The Murray Parish Trust.
Very special thanks to the sponsors of this year’s event, The Ageas Bowl, Southampton, Jeremy France Jewellers, Paris Smith, Alresford Beauty, In The Mix Cocktails, Stone Gorge 1908, VDC Trading Ltd, Quostar and Southampton Design & Print.
