A CIRCUS will act as the glittering backdrop of this year’s hotly anticipated Charity Ball.

The ballroom of the Marriott Hotel, Pipers Way, will transform into a Big Top, complete with stunning circus acts for the black tie event, due to be held on Saturday, May 13.

Now in its 29th year, the event founded by the Rotary Club of Swindon and the Swindon Advertiser, has raised a remarkable £770,000 for more than 50 local charities.

There is a selection of raffle and auction prizes up for grabs with all money raised donated to this year’s chosen charities, Swindon Restore, Swindon 10-18 Project (STEP), Swindon Therapy Centre for MS, Prime Theatre, the Open Door Centre and MHA Music Therapy Appeal.

The theme for 2017 is classic circus and well as the circus acts and big top there will be live music keeping guests entertained on the night.

With four months to go until the ball, organisers are urging people to buy a ticket and support their local charities.

Charity ball committee chairman Adam Flint, who is also general manager of the Marriott, said he was looking forward to the spectacular event.

“The Charity Ball is always a great night but this one promises to be one of the best yet, with a big top feel and circus acts to keep everyone entertained.

“Added to that is the bonus of helping to raise money for some fantastic and very deserving local causes,” he said.

“I would urge people to book their tables soon before they are all gone.”

In the run up to the ball, the team will organise a series of fundraisers including a golf day on Friday, March 31.

Previous years have seen charities such as Dial-A-Ride, Swindon Therapy Centre for MS, Dressability, Swindon &District Samaritans and Hometruths win thousands of pounds worth of funding.

Last year was a record-breaking year for the event, which raised an unprecedented £52,000 for ten organisations including the Olive Tree Café, Swindon 105.5, Swindon Dial a Ride and Headway Swindon and District.

In 2015, charities received grants ranging from £1,500 to £10,000.

The largest donation was made to Swindon Dial a Ride, which received £10,000 while The Olive Tree Cafe was awarded £3,300 towards a new oven.

Tickets are on sale now at £80 per person. Tables are for 10 people

For details email susanjharding@btinternet.com or call 01793 813147