New for 2024, Caudwell Children is starting their Christmas festivities early with Christmas in Manchester.

Caudwell Children are no strangers when it comes to hosting extravagant fundraising events to support disabled and autistic children including their flagship event The Butterfly Ball, and Christmas in Manchester is no exception.

Taking place on Friday 15th November at the timeless Midland Hotel, Christmas in Manchester promises an afternoon filled with festive delights, including a sparkling reception and a delicious 3-course lunch, guaranteed to ignite your Christmas Spirit.

Will Pepper, Head of Events at Caudwell Children said “We’re incredibly excited to bring Christmas in Manchester to life for the first time, it’s a fantastic way to start the festive season. Not only will this afternoon be filled with festive fun, but the money donated will go towards supporting children and families who need it most. We’re proud to host this event at the Midland Hotel and can’t wait to welcome our supporters to what promises to be a memorable occasion.”

Hosted by The Queen Bee, Dani Wallace an international public speaking coach, Christmas in Manchester will not only launch the festive season, but the funds donated will provide life-changing support and services, helping disabled and autistic children to lead happy, active, and independent lives.

Caudwell Children’s Shaping Futures Team will also be an integral part of the event welcoming guests alongside some of the young people who have benefitted from this programme. Shaping Futures is designed to help neurodivergent individuals aged 16-25 develop vital employability and life skills, offering a pathway to greater independence and personal growth. The students’ involvement at the event will showcase their progress and give them the opportunity to put their new skills into practice in a real-world setting.

According to recent figures published in the Buckland Review of Autism Employment, only 3 in 10 autistic people of working age are in employment. This means that 7 in 10 of them are unable to access the independence and fulfilment that employment can bring. Since launching earlier this year, Shaping Futures has already seen 75% of participants progress into positive destinations, including employment, further education, and volunteer work.

Nicola Stanway, Employability Manager at Caudwell Children, added “Myself and the Shaping Futures students are incredibly excited about the opportunity to support the Christmas in Manchester event. This will be a culmination of all of their dedication and hard work over the last 12 months and will support them in putting into practice the employability and life skills they have gained as a result of this project. Both the students and I can’t wait to be involved in the event and show our support for Caudwell Children.”

The afternoon’s entertainment will be provided by The Vinylettes, a glamorous female vocal harmony trio known for their energetic performances, blending modern, classic, and vintage hits into dazzling three-part harmonies. Guests will also have the chance to participate in an exciting auction, with prizes including a signed Manchester United shirt, a Manchester City Family Tour, a Clive Christian Perfume, and an Aspinal of London bag. Every pound donated during the auction will go directly to supporting Caudwell Children’s vital work.

Tickets for Christmas in Manchester are now available, with options ranging from individual tickets to table packages and sponsorship opportunities. To secure your place at this extraordinary event or for more information, please contact The Events Team at [email protected] or click here to visit our Christmas in Manchester page.