Manchester’s first ever citywide banquet raises over £527,000 for Tim Bacon Foundation

Singing sensation Beverley Knight wowed a star-studded crowd at The Albert Hall last night following Manchester’s first citywide banquet which raised over £527,000 for the Tim Bacon Foundation.

Tim Bacon, who passed away last year after a long battle with cancer, founded the Living Ventures empire with current CEO Jeremy Roberts and is credited with transforming Manchester’s now thriving restaurant and bar scene.

More than 1000 diners descended on eight Living Ventures restaurants, including Manchester House, Australasia, Artisan, Alchemist, Grand Pacific, Grill on the Alley and GUSTO, for the ambitious Dream The Impossible charity event.

The event was followed by a glamorous after party at The Albert Hall where Knight performed her much-loved hits to guests including Shoulda Woulda Coulda and Middle of Love.

Actor and DJ Craig Charles put on one of his legendary funk and soul sets which saw the party continue into the early hours.

“The aim of Dream the Impossible was to celebrate Tim’s life and raise a huge amount of money for the Foundation,” said CEO of Living Ventures and chair of the Foundation, Jeremy Roberts.

“I am delighted to say we achieved both aims and had an amazing night. I cannot thank everyone who has supported this event enough, from my colleagues at Living Ventures in organising it, our amazing suppliers and sponsors and everyone that attended, it has been humbling to receive such goodwill from so many people in Manchester and from the wider hospitality industry.  The money raised will really help make a difference to so many cancer patients.”

Louise Stimson from The Christie Charity said: “We provide treatment and care for our patients which is above and beyond what the NHS is able to provide. With the support of partners like the Tim Bacon Foundation we are able to continue to provide the best facilities, care and treatment that there is available.

“It been wonderful working with the Tim Bacon Foundation this year which culminated last night in an amazing evening of fundraising. I’m sure Tim would have been very proud of his team and thrilled with the results.”

Sinead Collins from Maggie’s Manchester Centre said: “We’re thrilled and grateful to everyone who has worked so hard to put on such a special event.

“Those who loved and supported Tim Bacon – and everyone out there who has been affected by cancer – will know the tough questions, exhausting treatment and difficult emotions that a cancer diagnosis can bring. The funds raised by Dream the Impossible event will help us to welcome more people to Maggie’s Manchester and give them the support they need to find their way through cancer.”