Chelmsford City Racecourse Hosts Charity Gala Lunch, Raising a Spectacular £9,000 for their 10 Chosen Charities!

As part of their 10 Years of Community campaign Chelmsford City Racecourse rolled out the red carpet on August 7th at the Chelmsford City Cup for a special Charity Gala Lunch, bringing together businesses, community members, and charity representatives for an afternoon of racing, fundraising and celebration.

The exclusive event took place in the trackside Queen Charlotte Marquee, where guests enjoyed first class hospitality, thrilling races, and entertainment, all while raising funds for the racecourses’ ten chosen charities. These charities span a range of great causes, from children’s health and education to homelessness support, mental health services, and animal welfare, ensuring that the impact of the day will be felt widely across the Chelmsford community and beyond.

The Mayor of Chelmsford and Mayoress joined as honorary guests, presenting the prize for the eagerly anticipated Bet365 Mayor’s Cup. Adding to the atmosphere, the day featured a game of Heads & Tails, celebrity guest speaker Paralympian and television presenter Steve Brown, live auction, a raffle packed with prizes, and expert racing insights during a tipster talk. A lively compère entertained guests throughout the afternoon, and in true style kept the energy high while encouraging generous bidding and participation in the auction which raised along with the raffle and heads and tails an impressive £4,700.

The Gala was described by many attendees as “a true collaboration”, bringing together corporate partners, racegoers, and local charities in a celebration of community spirit.

Speaking about the success of the day, guests shared their appreciation praising the team’s support and entertainment highlighting the racecourse’s commitment to making a meaningful contribution to local causes. Representatives from several of the beneficiary charities expressed their gratitude, noting how donations would allow them to reach more people, and provide stability for the future.

The Charity Gala Lunch not only delivered a thrilling afternoon at the races but also showcased the power of community, proving that when sport, entertainment, and generosity come together, everyone wins.

Jo Flaherty – Head of Community & Charity reflected on the day;

“What a wonderful afternoon we shared at our Charity Gala Lunch, celebrating 10 years of community together. None of it would have been possible without the passion and hard work of our amazing staff, who poured so much energy into making the day special, from securing brilliant raffle and auction prizes to ensuring everything ran smoothly.

A heartfelt thank you also to the Mayor of Chelmsford and Steve Brown for joining us, and to everyone who came along to show their support for our 10 chosen charities. Your generosity will leave a real and lasting impact, and we are so proud that this event will now become a yearly tradition at the racecourse, a legacy of giving, celebration, and community spirit.”

By the close of the afternoon, the Charity Gala Lunch had proven to be more than a social occasion. It showcased the power of sport and entertainment to bring people together for the greater good, reinforcing Chelmsford City Racecourse’s commitment to its role in the community. With plans to make the Gala an annual fixture, the event has laid the foundation for a lasting legacy of generosity and partnership that will continue to benefit the community for years to come.