Now in its 23rd year, the SF Ball is an annual event that brings together film lovers, sci-fi fans and an array of special guests. Attended by hundreds of people, the event raises vital funds for the Teenage Cancer Trust. This year it took place at the Grand Harbour Hotel in Southampton and White Light was one of the sponsors.
The SF Ball 23 took place on 3rd – 5th February. Anne Lindup, Director of SF Ball Limited, states: “Science Fiction teaches us to accept others and challenges us to execute a better future for all. We have taken these philosophies and moulded the SF Ball to help many charities, in particular the Teenage Cancer Trust, for twenty-three years”.
Following on from last year, WL once again sponsored the occasion. Bryan Raven, WL’s Managing Director, comments: “The SF Ball is a fantastic event that raises money for an extremely worthy cause. As a company, we try and support events like this as often as we can as it allows us to draw on our own resources in order to help others”.
As part of its sponsorship, WL supplied a range of technical equipment which included lighting, desks and cabling to ensure that the event had the complete production support required.
Each day of the classic convention featured Q&A’s, professional photography and autograph sessions, activities, challenges and art/fiction competitions. There was also an emporium of merchandise and collectables available for sale and an exhibition hall which contained full-size Daleks. Guests included Chris Barrie (Red Dwarf), Roger Ashton-Griffiths (Game of Thrones), Terry Molloy (Dr Who), Gates McFadden and Patti Yasutake (both Star Trek).
Since 2009, the SF Ball has raised nearly £30,000 for the Teenage Cancer Trust. The SF Ball also prides itself on its equal opportunities policy, welcoming anyone to enjoy the festivities; indiscriminate of disability or background.
Andrew Keates, PR & Press Liaison for the SF Ball, comments: “We are extremely grateful to WL for once again supporting our event. This year, we managed to raise over £5,000; all of which will go to the Teenage Cancer Trust”.
The SF Ball marks another charity event that WL has supported, following its previous work with Save the Children, Macmillan Cancer Support, Children on the Edge and The Make A Difference Trust.
Bryan adds: “The SF Ball offers the perfect combination: it brings together people with a shared passion while at the same time raises vital funds for charity. We are proud to be associated with such a fantastic event”.
Photos courtesy of johngreygrey.