BRIT award winner Lemar has been announced as the headline act for Trinity Manor Ball, in air of NSPCC Jersey. Over 250 people are due to attend the event in aid of the children’s charity. It’s a big ticket event, but always in high regard on the black-tie vents calendar for its amazing setting, great production and worthy local cause.
Lemar catapulted to fame in 2002 when he came third in BBC talent show Fame Academy. From there, the now 44-year-old went on to sign a record deal with Sony and release five studio albums, with his most recent being released in 2015. During that time, he also picked up two BRIT Awards for British Urban Act in 2004 and 2006, as well as MOBO Awards for Best UK Male in 2005 and 2006 and Best Album in 2005 with ‘Time to Grow’. The casual crooner has also notched seven UK top 10 singles and sold over two million albums.
Almost 20 years after he first burst onto the music scene, Lemar is now back in the studio writing again and is looking forward to travelling to Jersey next month. “It’s a privilege to be asked to play at this year’s Jersey Ball in aid of a wonderful charity who do great work across the UK,” he said. “Personally, I’m looking forward to getting out there and singing in front of a live audience, which is something I’ve not been able to do as much as I’d have liked over the last few years due to COVID. This will actually be the first time I’ve been to the island, so I can’t wait to see everyone there and I’m sure we will raise lots of money for NSPCC Jersey to help protect children and young people.”
The charity has also announced that renowned and award winning DJ Trevor Nelson MBE has also been added to the line-up for the event. Trevor’s broadcasting career started in 1985 on pirate radio before moving to Radio 1 in the mid-90s. He echoed Lemar’s sentiment when it comes to playing at the fundraiser. “I’m excited to be playing at such a prestigious event for such a well-known and important charity,” he added. “I hope all of the guests are ready to dance the night away and raise some money for NSPCC Jersey while doing so.”
The NSPCC Jersey Fundraising Committee have put the event together, which will see guests welcomed by NSPCC CEO, Sir Peter Wanless before tucking into a delicious three-course meal. Guests will then have a talk from NSPCC ambassador David Tait before kicking off a live auction with TV personality Martin Roberts with Lemar taking to the stage shortly afterwards. So far, some of the prizes include the chance to name a character in best-selling author Peter James’ next book, personal training sessions with Olympic legend Daley Thompson and an exclusive Tour of La Corbiere Lighthouse with Jersey’s Harbour Master, Captain Bill Sadler.
All of the money raised will help fund NSPCC Jersey’s Gower Centre, which provides vital services to children, young people and their families on the island. The services, which are delivered by a team of dedicated children’s services practitioners, include Letting the Future in, which helps young people and their families repair their lives after sexual abuse. Pregnancy in Mind is an innovative programme for parents who suffer low-level mental health while Seeking Solutions is a goal-based service where the young person has a specific worry or concern they would like to work towards.
Service Centre Manager, Katherine McGovern said she’s looking forward to the event and reiterated the importance of the services provided out of the charity’s St Helier base. “On behalf of the team, I am really looking forward to the Jersey Ball, and want to thank everyone in advance for their generous support of NSPCC Jersey,” she said. “We are so very privileged to work with children, young people and adults who access our Seeking Solutions, Pregnancy in Mind and Letting the Future in services, and are committed to working in partnership with our colleagues across Government and the voluntary sector. Despite the challenges of finding new ways of working during the pandemic, the team continued to support children, young people and their families, as well as running online groups for parents to be. We are now delighted to be meeting with people face to face, welcoming them into our centre in Stopford Road. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you would like to arrange to visit us at the Gower Centre and we hope that everyone attending has a wonderful evening.”
It costs in the region of £604,000 a year to deliver both preventative and therapeutic services from the Gower Centre on Stopford Road. The NSPCC relies on voluntary donations for the majority of its funding, helping ensure that our specialised practitioners are here in Jersey to help children, young people and their families.
A champagne reception and sumptuous dinner in beautiful surroundings make it an unforgettable evening. After two years off with Covid, hopefully those corporate and evening entertainment budgets have mounted up to allow islanders to support this great event. A limited number of tables of 10 can be purchased at £3,500 by emailing nspccjerseyball@gmail.com
Anyone keen to find out more about services offered by NSPCC Jersey can contact 01534 760800 or email JerseyServiceCentre@nspcc.org.uk.
