Maggie’s Costume Ball: the lavish Bridgerton-style fund-raising night in Manchester for a cancer charity

The glitz and glamour of Bridgerton will be recreated in Manchester as a cancer charity puts on a lavish fund-raising night in the shape of a period costume ball.

Revellers attending Maggie’s Costume Ball at The Lowry Hotel will be taken on a trip back through time as they don historical outfits and bring back to life the opulence of the Regency period and the 19th century.

The annual event returned last year after a two-year break due to Covid-19 and was the most successful ball to date, raising more than £25,000. Proceeds go to Maggie’s, which helps to provide free cancer support in Manchester and across the UK.

Here’s what you need to know about the event as well as how you can get your hands on tickets.

What is Maggie’s Costume Ball, when is it and how do I get tickets?

Maggie’s Costume Ball is an unusual and lavish period outfit fund-raising night for UK cancer charity Maggie’s, which provides free support and information for people if they have cancer themselves or have a loved one who does.

Fans of the smash hit Netflix show Bridgerton will find themselves being transported back to the world of the drama as the venue will be filled with historic glamour and floor-length Regency-style ballgowns and tiaras. The evening includes a live performance from all-female electric-acoustic ensemble, String Infusion, stories, dancing, dining and a silent auction with a range of prizes.

The idea of a spectacular historical costume ball was inspired by one of 19th century Manchester’s most flamboyant and famous events, the Manchester Ball. This was attended by leading philanthropists of the day and was immortalised on canvas in the painting A Fancy Dress Ball, Manchester by Arthur Perigal.

The event returned in 2022 after two years of the Covid-19 pandemic when it couldn’t be held. It was the most successful to date, raising £25,000, and the organisers are hoping to beat the total this time around.

The 2023 ball is at The Lowry Hotel on Saturday 25 March. Tickets are £99 per person or £990 to secure an entire table for 10. This includes a welcome drinks reception, a three-course meal and the entertainment throughout the night.

Tickets can be booked and tables reserved through The Lowry Hotel by ringing 0161 827 4000 or emailing [email protected]

Alternatively you can contact Maggie’s Manchester by ringing 0161 641 4857 and asking for Ruth Tobi or emailing [email protected]

What has been said about Maggie’s Costume Ball?

Adrian Ellis, general manager of The Lowry Hotel, said: “We are once again thrilled to be hosting Maggie’s Costume Ball, helping to raise funds for a fantastic charity close to our hearts.

“Following a two-year hiatus, as a result of Covid-19, Maggie’s Costume Ball returned in 2022 and thanks to our generous guests we collectively raised our highest fund-raising total to date, an incredible £25,632 for Maggie’s.

“We look forward to shining a light on the incredible work the charity provides across the UK and hope to top last year’s fund-raising total, raising even more funds for Maggie’s.”

Robin Muir, head of the Maggie’s Manchester centre, said: “The Lowry Costume Ball has raised vital funds for Maggie’s Manchester helping us support the many people with cancer and their families and friends who visit our centre.

“Maggie’s provides a full programme of emotional and practical support through our team of psychologists, cancer support specialists and benefit advisers. We help people take back control when cancer turns life upside down, with professional support for anything from treatment side effects to money worries.

“All our support is free, and you don’t need an appointment or referral – just come in. In 2023 we expect to receive over 20,000 visits, so your support for Maggie’s is even more important than ever.”