A charity Christmas Gala at the renowned/splendid castle and spa hotel, Swinton Park, Masham, will be held on Friday 1 December in aid of the Archbishop of York’s Youth Trust.

The Christmas Gala black-tie dinner includes a champagne reception with a candlelit recital of carols and readings from the 25-strong Christmas choir, from Yorkshire Voices and the Yorkshire Decibelles, followed by a festive three-course dinner in the award-winning Samuel’s restaurant.  Tickets are limited and are offered on a first come, first served basis.  Tickets cost £100pp.

Felicity Cunliffe-Lister, whose family has owned Swinton Park since the 1880s, and who will be hosting this event and performing with the choir at the Gala, said:

“Christmas at Swinton Park is truly magical. It is such a majestic setting in winter, with the romance of our lake-filled grounds and cosy rooms. The charity Gala is a chance to enjoy a rather special Christmas experience in a beautiful festive atmosphere, while giving something back, tapping into the true meaning of Christmas by raising funds for a cause that we passionately support.”

The Archbishop of York’s Youth Trust is doing vital work in schools across the North. To date, it has supported over 50,000 pupils in 450 schools to complete its Young Leaders Award. The Award teaches leadership skills and positive social values, supporting students to volunteer and run community projects, such as organising Christmas parties for the elderly or fundraising for their local hospice. Mahatma Gandhi’s phrase, ‘be the change you want to see’ is the core value of the Youth Trust.

Dan Finn, Youth Trust Director said,

“We’re delighted that Swinton Park has kindly agreed to support the Youth Trust at their annual Christmas Gala. Our Young Leaders Award is growing across the North and we are supporting thousands of young people in hundreds of schools to take part each year. Support from businesses is essential as we reach out to the next generation and equip young people with the leadership skills needed; not just to be the leaders of the future, but to be leaders right now in our communities today”.  

The charity is now seeking to raise £375,000 to reach an additional 15,000 young people in 300 schools in disadvantaged communities across the North.

Research from the University of Gloucestershire exploring the efficacy of the Award showed that 60% of school children agreed they would continue to volunteer in their communities after the Award scheme finished. It found significant improvements in confidence, respect, tolerance, and interpersonal skills, as well as an improvement in aspirational thinking and preparing for the future. Teachers have also reported it enthuses dis-engaged learners or children from challenging backgrounds.

Felicity said:

“Its amazing to see the work that the Youth Trust are doing within the classroom to support young people in their development of leadership skills and confidence, enabling them to become well-rounded individuals. It's so important to reach those children who don’t have access to activities outside the classroom and provide them with new experiences and opportunities."

Scout Leader, Bear Grylls, has backed the campaign saying,

“I’m very proud to support the Archbishop’s work in schools. With the heart and spirit of the Youth Trust’s Young Leaders Award, young people thrive and that is always incredible to see.”

Tickets are limited for this exclusive Charity Gala, book early to secure your place.Guests who would like to stay at the hotel on the night of the event will enjoy a complimentary upgrade of room.