The last event raised a staggering £1.2million in one night – and the first act has now been announced for its 2026 returnChesney Hawkes will perform at the Dr Michael Josephson MBE ball in Manchester in March 2026(Image: Submitted)

Nineties icon Chesney Hawkes has been announced as the opening act at one of the region’s biggest fundraising balls for 2026. The One and Only chart-topper Chesney is the first act confirmed by philanthropist Dr Michael Josephson MBE to open his planned Farwell Charity Ball in Manchester city centre in March 2026.

The black tie ball will be held at The Manchester Deansgate Hotel by IHG. Known as one of the glitziest nights on the social calendar, the last event hosted by Michael raised an extraordinary £1.2mn in one single night, a record-breaking achievement in the north west.

The 2026 Farewell Charity Ball will raise vital funds for children’s charities across the UK, with the event’s silent auction officially going live this week. It gives supporters everywhere the chance to get involved even if they are not attending on the night.

Monies raised from the silent auction, as well as the grand auction on the night, will go towards funding the incredible work of five main beneficiary charities including, Variety, the Children’s Charity, The Seashell Trust, The Anne Frank Trust, Mahdlo Youth Zone and The Rainbow Trust.

Dr Michael Josephson MBE with guest Elizabeth Hurley at his ball in 2024(Image: Carl Sukonik | The Vain Photography)

In addition to the announced main charity recipients, some of the funds will also go to support other smaller charities in the North West working with vulnerable children and young people.

Following a pause in 2025, the 2026 Farewell Ball marks Michael’s seventh fundraising gala, with an ambition to make it the most impactful yet.

Dr Michael Josephson MBE said: “This Farewell Ball is about celebrating everything we’ve been able to achieve together for vulnerable children and young people, and the 2026 ball will be the best to date.

“Chesney Hawkes is the perfect opening act as the Ball enters its next chapter. His music is uplifting and instantly recognisable, and I know he’ll bring the room together from the very first note.

“The silent auction is now live, which means that even if you don’t have a ticket for the Ball, you can still be part of this story. Every bid helps us change lives.”

The moment £1.2million was announced at the Michael Josephson MBE Charity Ball in 2024(Image: Carl Sukonik | The Vain Photography)

Previous performers at the ball have included Lulu, Heather Small, Alfie Boe and Sophie Ellis-Bextor, with the headline act for 2026 still to be announced.

The Dr Michael Josephson MBE Farewell Charity Ball silent auction is now live, with lots including a Fly the Spitfire experience, a Dom Perignon champagne break in France, a private factory tour at Red Bull Racing and a Fiat Grande Panda car.

Over £30,000 has already been raised just a day after the auction opened.

The Dr Michael Josephson MBE Farewell Charity Ball will once again be produced by award-winning Julie Perry Events, with headline sponsorship from Godel Technologies and Zeno. Tables for the event have already sold out.