MORE than 400 supporters and businesses gathered to celebrate the 30th birthday of St Luke’s Hospice, where the colour and vibrancy of carnival was brought to Cheshire.

The hospice embraced the carnival theme and threw their ‘Party Gras’ charity ball on Friday, July 27, at Dorfold Park, in Nantwich, which raised more than £50,000.

St Luke’s in Winsford and Winterley Grange near Sandbach will benefit from the generous donations of the sponsors.

Roger Mills MBE, vice president of St Luke’s, said: “Party Gras brought the colour, flavour, sounds and excitement of the Brazilian carnival to Cheshire – and raised lots of money at the same time.”

The charity’s mission to bring the sounds and sights of carnival to Cheshire was brought to life with beautiful palms in the reception area, piñatas by the gin bar, street food inspired stations serving ice cream, coffee and cheese, a vibrantly decorated room of pinks, blues and greens, the show-stopping Toni James Band which played an extended set, plus the nostalgic dodgems outside meant that everywhere guests turned there was the magic of carnival!

After enjoying sparkling cocktails delicious food, the 400 guests were straight onto the dancefloor to join the Brazilian dancers and drummers from Latin showband Tropicalia.

Mike Ridley, St Luke’s chairman of trustees, was delighted with the amount of money raised on the night.

He said: “As chair of St Luke’s, it is my pleasure to sincerely thank everyone who has supported the event and raised such a significant amount of money for the charity, thank you.”

Raising money for St Luke’s was a key part of the evening and the hospice were delighted that John Pass Jewellers donated an incredible prize worth over £10,000 on the night.

Spokesman Andrew Pass said: “We are so proud to celebrate our 70th anniversary this year and to be able to give back to St Luke’s and the community for all the loyalty that they have shown to us over the years.”