ONE of the highlights of the social calendar in Swindon is set to return next year to raise money for Prospect Hospice.

Singer and entertainer Jonathan Wilkes will host the event at the Steam Museum on May 14 from 7pm with a suave super-spy theme.

The pandemic forced the hospice to cancel the big fundraiser in 2020 on Prospect’s 40th anniversary but the team is glad to be bringing it back again.

Every event the hospice usually hosted throughout the year had to be scrapped for Covid safety reasons as the virus spread around the country.

But with fewer restrictions in place, hopes are high the event should be able to go ahead in the spring.

.Head of income Sheryl Crouch said: “We’re really looking forward to holding our charity ball in 2022 after a break of two years and we’d love our supporters to join us.

“It will be a James Bond-themed ball with first-class entertainment, fine dining and a chance to win fabulous prizes in our auction and raffles, including a piece of diamond jewellery donated by Deacons jewellers in Old Town.”

Jonathan Wilkes is hosting the ball and will be performing with his band. He is a patron of Prospect Hospice and has hosted the charity’s ball since it began in 2010.

He has played major roles in West End musicals including The Rocky Horror Show, Grease, Tommy and Chicago and performed on television. Jonathan and his wife Nikki run the Wilkes Academy of Performing Arts in Swindon.

He said: “I’ve seen first-hand the incredible work Prospect Hospice does after they cared for a member of my family at the end of their life.

“I’m so proud to support the work they do and help ensure they’re able to care for many more families like mine.

“The Full Length and Fabulous charity balls are wonderful events and I can’t wait to welcome the hospice’s supporters to the ball in 2022.”

Over the years, the events have raised more than £200,000 for Prospect Hospice, which allows the team to provide the best possible care to people at the end of their lives and support for their loved ones.

Sheryl added: “We’ve had businesses and their employees, families and friends of patients cared for by the hospice attending our balls in the past, so if you’re looking for a fantastic night out with colleagues, family or friends you really don’t want to miss our Full Length and Fabulous Ball. You’ll help make a real difference to the lives of local people needing our care.”

Tickets for the ball are £80 per head or £800 for a table of 10. To book email SherylCrouch@prospect-hospice.net or call 01793 816159.