IPSWICH THINGS TO DO

Charity Christmas Gala

SSAFA at Venue 16, Ipswich

Information - Charity Christmas Gala

✨ An evening of festive celebration, entertainment, fine dining and fundraising in support of SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity. ✨

Join us for what promises to be a truly memorable Christmas Gala as friends, supporters, businesses, serving personnel, veterans and members of the local community come together to celebrate the festive season whilst helping to support SSAFA’s vital work across Suffolk.

📅 Saturday 28 November 2026
📍 Venue 16, Tuddenham Road, Ipswich
🕕 6:00pm until Midnight

Upon arrival, guests will be welcomed with a complimentary drinks reception before enjoying the magical atmosphere of the evening.

For the first hour, Santa Claus and Mrs Claus will be joining us for festive photographs, creating wonderful memories for guests of all ages. A professional photographer will also be on hand throughout the evening to capture the celebrations.

We are delighted to welcome local singer-songwriter Jade Mayjean, whose remarkable talent led her from an Ipswich open mic night to the national stage on BBC’s The Voice. Jade will entertain guests during the reception with a beautiful selection of original songs and popular favourites, setting the perfect tone for the evening. Through her music, Jade is passionate about promoting wellbeing and bringing people together through shared experiences.

Guests will then be invited to take their seats for a delicious two-course dinner before enjoying a programme of entertainment, fundraising and special guest speakers.

The evening will include:

🎄 Welcome drinks reception
🎅 Photographs with Santa and Mrs Claus
🎤 Live performance by Jade Mayjean
🍽️ Two-course gala dinner
🎲 Heads & Tails fundraising game
🎟️ Charity raffle with fantastic prizes
🎙️ Guest Speaker and Guest of Honour, The Lord-Lieutenant of Suffolk, Mr Mark Pendlington
💃 Dancing until midnight with DJ Del from Cutting Entertainments
📸 Professional event photography throughout the evening

We are honoured that Mark Pendlington, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Suffolk, will join us as our Guest of Honour and Speaker. A passionate champion of Suffolk for more than three decades, Mark has dedicated his career to supporting communities, volunteering, education, enterprise and opportunity across the county. His inspiring address will provide a fitting highlight to an evening that celebrates community spirit and charitable endeavour.

Main Course

Roast sirloin of beef served with roasted potatoes, braised red cabbage, roasted carrots, tenderstem broccoli, Yorkshire pudding and rich beef jus.

Dessert

Sticky toffee pudding served with crème Chantilly.

Vegetarian/Vegan Alternative

Aubergine, chickpea and sweet potato curry served with rice.

Refreshments

Tea and coffee.

We are pleased to cater for dietary requirements, allergies and intolerances. Please advise us when booking.

Supporting SSAFA

Every ticket purchased helps support the work of SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, providing lifelong support to serving personnel, veterans and their families when they need it most.

Whether you’re attending with friends, family, colleagues or clients, this promises to be an evening filled with laughter, festive cheer and the opportunity to make a real difference.

Carriages at Midnight

We look forward to celebrating with you at this very special Christmas Gala.