The sold-out Bacta Summer Ball held at the world famous Claridge’s Hotel in the heart of Mayfair has been declared a ‘triumph’ by guests and organisers alike.
The generosity that the industry is famous for was centre stage with sponsors and the close to 200 Bacta members and their guests helping to raise £36,000 to support the invaluable and far-reaching work undertaken by the Bacta Charitable Trust.
Reflecting on the Ball, Mark Horwood, who is one of the longest serving Trustees, said: “Whilst it was a bold decision to shift the dial and move what is our flagship fundraising event to Claridge’s, it was more than vindicated by the response of Bacta members and the sum they helped to raise for the Trust. Quite simply, the Ball surpassed all expectations and the feedback that the Trustees have received has been without exception hugely positive.
“We were at maximum capacity for the Ballroom at Claridge’s and everyone is looking forward to what we have planned for next year’s celebration. We have made a provisional booking for the Dorchester Ballroom on 11th June 2027 and even at this early-stage I am delighted to confirm that members are reserving tables.”
He added: “It was heart-warming to see the depth of support and generosity of everyone present, not least the sponsoring companies and families: it is this sense of fellowship that Bacta is all about and which sustains the work of the Trust.
“Sonia Meaden OBE had the vision to create the Bacta Charitable Trust and it was a privilege to have her and Brian with us as guests of honour. I served as a Trustee from the outset and it was Sonia’s drive and passion that made the Bacta Charitable Trust what it is today.”
Providing context to the importance of the Ball and the work of the Bacta Charitable Trust, John Bollom, who became Chairman at the start of the year said: “We first promoted the Ball via the EAG Exhibitor Bulletin in February and very quickly knew that we’d made the right decision to elevate the experience when we hit capacity within 48-hours of launching.
“Over the past three decades the Trust has worked alongside a broad spectrum of charitable organisations as well as backing the fundraising of individual Bacta members, often supporting deeply personal causes that hold special meaning for them.
“Our long-standing support of Rays of Sunshine has generated circa £900,000 for the charity which grants magical wishes to seriously ill children and the Summer Ball has served as a wonderful springboard to achieve the highly symbolic figure of £1m. This is a significant target but one that I am confident Bacta and its members will achieve before the industry meets at January’s EAG Expo.”
Coinslot readers wanting to reserve a table at the 2027 Bacta Summer Ball can do so by contacting John Bollom at:
John Bollom
Good evening, everyone, It is a real pleasure to welcome you all to the Bacta Ball.
Looking around the room tonight, it is wonderful to see so many friends, colleagues and supporters from across our industry gathered together. This event is one of the highlights of the Bacta calendar and, more importantly, an opportunity for us to come together in support of a cause that reflects the very best of our industry.
Before we enjoy the rest of the evening, I would like to take a moment to recognise the people who have made tonight possible.
Firstly, our sincere thanks must go to the Ball Committee. Organising an event of this scale takes an enormous amount of time, effort and dedication. There are countless hours of planning that most of us never see, from securing the venue and sponsors to coordinating every detail that allows the evening to run so smoothly. Their hard work has taken place behind the scenes and without recognition but tonight would simply not happen without them. Thank you- Mark Horwood, Nick Harding and James Miller, together with the Bacta team of Allaster and Rob.
I would also like to thank our sponsors. Your support is invaluable. Not only does it help us put on an evening of this quality, it also plays a vital role in enabling the Bacta Charitable Trust to continue its work supporting charities, communities and individuals across the country
The Trust is something our industry should be immensely proud of. Over many years it has provided support to a huge range of charitable causes, helping improve lives and offering assistance where it is needed most. Through fundraising events such as this, the annual golf tournament and cricket match, Park Avenue Open Day and individual member events – including. climbing Everest! – and donations. There are countless acts of generosity throughout the year, the Trust has now distributed more than £2 million to good causes.
That achievement says a great deal about the character of our industry. We are often known for the entertainment we provide, but less often recognised for the compassion, generosity and community spirit that exist throughout it. The work of the Trust demonstrates those values better than anything else.
This evening is also an opportunity to celebrate the people who make our industry what it is. Bacta remains a broad church, made up of family businesses, entrepreneurs, manufacturers, suppliers and operators, many of whom have dedicated decades of their lives to the sector. While businesses may compete in the marketplace, events such as this remind us that we are also part of a wider community that comes together to support those less fortunate than ourselves and truly show the fellowship within the industry.
Before I finish, I would like to pay special tribute to our Guest of Honour this evening, Sonia Meaden.
Sonia’s contribution to our industry, and particularly to the Bacta Charitable Trust, cannot be overstated. As the founder of the Trust, she created something that has gone on to make a lasting difference to countless lives over many years.
What began through her vision and determination to give something back has grown into an organisation that has raised and distributed more than £2 million to charities and good causes across the country. The impact of that achievement continues to be felt today and remains one of the most important legacies within our industry.
Sonia, on behalf of everyone here tonight, thank you for your dedication and for creating something that continues to help so many people. We are honoured to have you with us this evening and delighted that you could join us.
Have a fantastic evening, enjoy yourselves, support the raffle and auction generously, and let’s make this another memorable night for the Bacta Charitable Trust.
Originally published on Coinslot on June 22, 2026. Republished with permission.