Case study: The Great Mancunian Ball 2024

Proud supporters of St Ann’s Hospice Build It Together Appeal, Emma and Gary Neville, have worked with TLC on many occasions and asked founder, Liz to produce this event for a cause very close to their hearts. With a track record of creating talked about, unique events with the utmost attention to detail in the northwest and beyond, TLC was the trusted partner they wanted to bring the event to life.  

The brief was to produce an unforgettable evening of entertainment and dining, while also ensuring that the cause was central to proceedings. 

Not only did TLC produce an evening that will last in people’s memories as well as raise as much money as possible, they also played a pivotal role in securing sponsorship for the sellout event.  

The primary goal of The Great Mancunian Ball was to raise awareness and funds for the construction of a new St Ann’s Hospice in Heald Green, replacing the old site which is over 150 years old. 

The TLC team transformed the venue with a scheme of intelligent lighting from Quantum LP that wowed guests and seamlessly adapted to the evening’s programme. There was entertainment throughout from 18-piece party band, The Swan Band, who entertained the audience from their central stage in the heart of the space and performing a range of tunes from floor-fillers to piano solos. 

The night kicked off with a live recording of the award-winning The Overlap presents Stick to Football podcast featuring Gary Neville, Roy Keane, Ian Wright, Jill Scott, and Jamie Carragher discussing all things football and Manchester. 

Guests were then treated to an exquisite three-course menu curated by Hessian Fine Dining, including Gary’s favourite dish of sausage and mash.  

The evening included a speech from host, Gary Neville alongside conversations with St Ann’s Hospice staff members interviewed by host for the evening, actress and presenter Sally Lindsay who also took to the stage with hospice ambassador Lee Boardman to share their personal stories of the care their families received at St Ann’s Hospice.   

An auction during the night featured items such as a chance to play five-a-side football against the cast of Stick to Football, the use of a private box at Old Trafford donated by Noel McKee, and dinner for 10 with Take That's Howard Donald. 

TLC donated its services to the event and was supported by its chosen suppliers who also went above and beyond, generously donating their time and resources to support St Ann’s Hospice. A special mention must go to Options Great Hire, whose contribution of furniture, linen, crockery, cutlery, glassware, and kitchen equipment saved tens of thousands of pounds.  

“From the outset, Liz and her team were amazing! The creativity as well as the professionalism and drive to achieve the best outcome for St Ann’s Hospice were unparalleled, going above and beyond their brief.”

Manish R Mehta, Hamilton Group 

 “The whole event has been incredible and Gary and Emma, Liz Taylor, and everyone else who has supported us to bring this ball to life, are nothing short of sensational. It means the absolute world to us here at St Ann’s and brings us even closer to our fundraising targets to build our new hospice.”

Rachel McMillan, chief executive of St Ann’s Hospice. 

 “It has been an absolute honour to be part of The Great Mancunian Ball and help bring this extraordinary vision to life. When Gary and Emma approached me, they could have chosen anyone to support them, but they trusted me because of TLC’s reputation for crafting unforgettable and unique events. Naturally, I said yes without hesitation, donating TLC’s services in support of St Ann’s Hospice. 

Liz Taylor, Taylor Lynn Corporation (TLC) 

“We all had a brilliant evening, but most importantly we were able to help this fabulous charity to make their new hospice a reality. Emma and I have been lucky enough to meet the patients and staff at the hospice and every time we visit, we are blown away by the care and support. But you can see the building they are in now is getting tired and not working for them.  

“They deserve so much more, and they need a state-of-the-art hospice. They shouldn’t be making do when they are caring for these patients and their loved ones who are facing the most challenging time of their lives.”

Gary Neville 

The Great Mancunian Ball 2024 exceeded all expectations, marking its place in the calendar by raising £565,980 for the charity on the evening.