With dazzling showgirls and singing waiters, Cranbrook School’s grand Quincentenary Ball proved to be a fabulous show-stopper that celebrated the last 500 years in superb style and raised nearly £20,000 towards refurbishment of the Queen’s Hall Theatre and the Sam West Foundation.
Around 300 parents and friends donned their glad-rags for the black-tie celebration, held in the idyllic surroundings of Cornwallis Field on a perfect summer’s evening, with dancing and entertainment until the early hours.
Festivities started with al fresco cocktails, before diners took their seats in the beautifully-decorated marquee for a three-course feast interspersed with the feathers and sequins of dancing girls and the impressive arias of a trio of talented operatic singers, who had secretly doubled up as waiting staff. A live auction, attracting four-figure bids for a roll-call of splendid lots, was followed by a live band and DJ-spun sounds that had enthusiasts on their feet and partying into the wee small hours with displays of energetic (and, in some cases, rather wild) dance moves!
The entire evening would not have been possible without the amazing efforts of the CSPA Ball Committee who worked tirelessly to put the memorable evening together and for which the CSPA is deeply grateful. A special thank you must also go to Estates Manager Tony Bailey, whose unfailing help and support throughout proved invaluable.
A big thank you to Felix Ward who captured the evening’s revelries with this superb selection of shots.
A fabulous evening all-round – so here’s to the next 500 years!
