"Expect surprises" at Wentworth Woodhouse Black Diamonds black-tie ball

Wentworth Woodhouse is the venue for the Black Diamonds event on Saturday, October 7, as fundraising continues towards the mansion’s £100 million-plus restoration.

Event organiser Julie Readman said those attending could expect “a few surprises” based on the Black Diamonds theme — which invokes the title of Catherine Bailey’s book about Wentworth — including a secret raffle prize which she described as “a bit special”.

She added: “This is the first of our series of events so we want to make it a special one.”

Julie Readman said she was conscious the ticket price would be too high for some but pointed out it included a donation to the house restoration costs and promised future events would suit a wide range of budgets.

Businesses were welcome to help out with sponsor or buy a table for themselves, she said.

Proceeds from the event will go to Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust toward the ongoing restoration of the grand stately home and efforts to open larger areas of the mansion to visitors. 

Starting at 7.15pm, the ball will include a cocktail reception in the Pillared Hall,  pre-dinner entertainment, a four-course dinner in the Marble Saloon and live performances by Heritage Opera.

The dress code for the ball is formal — black tie and cocktail wear — and tickets priced £150 or £1,400 for a table of ten are available on 01226 351161.

Further events include a book signing event with Ms Bailey at 6.30pm on October 25.

Tickets are priced from £28. Visit the Official Wentworth Woodhouse Facebook page for more details.