On Monday 11th September the red carpet was rolled out at The Regent Centre in Christchurch for the Dorset Premiere of the film Victoria and Abdul. This exclusive event was in aid of Dorset Blind Association and was kindly sponsored by Blue Sky Financial Planning. It welcomed a sell out audience of over 300 people and raised a staggering £8,336.00!
The film, starring Dame Judi Dench, is directed by the charitys patron and BAFTA award winner, Stephen Frears. Frears kindly supports the sight loss charity as his son and blind actor, Sam Frears, has benefited from the charitys services for many years attending their social clubs and activities. On release of his last film in 2016, Florence Foster Jenkins, he gave Dorset Blind Association the opportunity to also host their first Dorset Premiere in Bournemouth at The ABC Odeon.
Victoria and Abdul follows the unlikely friendship between Queen Victoria (Judi Dench) and her Indian servant Abdul Karim (Ali Fazal). As their friendship deepens, the queen begins to see a changing world through new eyes, joyfully reclaiming her humanity. The film also stars Eddie Izzard, Tim Pigott-Smith and Adeel Akhtar.
Helena Sinclair, Events fundraiser from Dorset Blind Association said, ‘We are incredibly overwhelmed by the support we received at our Dorset Film Premiere of Victoria and Abdul. The funds raised for Dorset Blind Association are just phenomenal and will have such a huge impact to our services in the local community. The event would not be possible without the support of our patron, Stephen Frears, our Sponsor Blue Sky Financial Planning, and the fantastic team at The Regent Centre. Thank you to everyone for making the evening so successful.’
If you missed out on this fantastic exclusive event, Dorset Blind Association are hosting their 3rd Masquerade Ball on Saturday 28th October at The Hilton Hotel. Tickets are still available to join the glitz and glamour, only £55 per person includes 3 course dinner, wine, live entertainment plus casino!
Contact Helena for more information, 01202 712864 or helena@dorsetblind.org.uk.
All images courtesy of Christian Lawson, http://christianlawson.zenfolio.com