Bacta Summer Ball Success

Bacta’s third annual Summer Ball took place on Friday 4th July 2025 in the glorious surroundings of Coombe Abbey Hotel, Warwickshire – and what a night it was. With 130 industry guests in attendance and a packed programme of entertainment, the event raised a fantastic £23,000 in support of the Bacta Charitable Trust’s two nominated causes: Rays of Sunshine and Little Lifts.

The fundraising total represents a significant increase on previous years, and organiser Steve Hawkins, Chairman of the Bacta Charitable Trust, was delighted with the results. “I am very proud of how our industry rallies in support of charity,” he said. “Events like this show the generosity and spirit that runs through every corner of our sector.”

Held for the first time at the historic Coombe Abbey, the new venue proved a hit with guests. Its grandeur and stunning setting added an extra sense of occasion to a night filled with warmth, laughter and celebration. The venue’s larger capacity also provides scope for future growth, as the Summer Ball continues to grow in stature each year.

A special moment in the evening came with the welcome of Sonia Meaden OBE (pictured) founder of the Bacta Charitable Trust over 30 years ago. Sonia gave a heartfelt speech and offered grace before dinner, underlining the enduring impact of the charity’s work and the legacy of those who helped shape it.

Following dinner, the guests took part in a high-energy “True or False” game hosted by the irrepressible Bradley Royce of Boomerang. After some tense rounds and a lot of laughter, Vanessa Miller of FunstationUK was crowned the 2025 True or False Champion.

Later in the evening, guests danced into the early hours to the sounds of Sway, a ten-piece band with a big reputation (they’re reportedly a favourite of Sir Richard Branson) who delivered an electric live performance.

Steve Hawkins also extended his thanks to Karen Cooke and Steph Norbury for their support with the event planning and execution, and paid tribute to the generous sponsors who made the night possible.

Sponsors of the Bacta Summer Ball 2025

Gold Sponsors

•reflex (Band & Gold Sponsor)

•Sims Automatics

•Ask Global

•EAG

•Merkur Casino

•Blueprint

•SX Leisure

•Swan Events

Silver Sponsors

•Rudd Group

•David Cain

•Innspired

•Harry Levy

•E-Service

•Innov8 Gaming

•The Amusement Network

Pre-Drinks Sponsor

•Whitehouse Leisure

Looking Ahead

Asked about plans for next year, Steve Hawkins said discussions are already underway to build on this year’s success: “It’s clear we’ve found a winning formula – an incredible venue, great people, and a shared commitment to doing something meaningful. We’ll be looking at ways to grow the event while keeping that spirit of fun and purpose front and centre.”

The Bacta Charitable Trust has made a real difference over the years – and as this year’s Summer Ball proved, there is no shortage of support within the industry to ensure that continues.

For more images and moments from the event see our gallery here

Return to the previous page

9 July 2025

See all news...