Over 300 guests attended the 16th Annual Gastronomic Evening that featured performances by Jon Culshaw and Cassidy Janson at the Dorchester, Park Lane on Wednesday 6th June.

Celebrity host, Debra Stephenson, oversaw an incredibly fruitful evening of fundraising. Former Chief Barker, Jason Lewis interviewed Dave and Andreina Bees who shared story of their daughter Luna, who was helped by Variety.

Duncan Syers , Variety’s Chief Barker for 2018, made a traditional loyal toast expressing his thanks to everyone for supporting the Gastronomic Evening.

Guests enjoyed an impressive five-course meal created by the Dorchester Executive Head Chef and Variety Ambassador Henry Brosi and his team. In 2016, Brosi was appointed as a Variety Ambassador, and for yet another year continues his impressive contributions to the charity. The dinner was accompanied by a selection of fine wines selected by Master of Wine, Conal Gregory.

Acclaimed West End performer Cassidy Janson was awarded Variety Celebrity ambassador on the night, presented to her by Chief Barker Duncan Syers and Malcolm Brenner, Celebrity Chairman.

Lionel Rosenblatt, Chairman of the event extended his gratitude to all of those who had attended and supported the event, which raised near to £200,000 for Variety. A sizeable amount of this came from the auctioning off some spectacular donated items, including a luxurious holiday to Barbados, and some amazing artwork by the likes of Picasso and Matisse. Our thanks go to all of those who supported this wonderful evening.

For more information about Gastronomic Evening 2019, please contact the events team at events@variety.org.uk