Harburn House plays host to JK Rowling
One of the most prestigious fundraising events held in the UK this year, The Enchanted Garden Ball welcomed 250 guests from the world of business and entertainment including Charlotte Church, Joely Richardson, Evengy Lebedev, Ian Rankin, Fred MacAulay, editor of Tatler – Geordie Greig, Sir Fred Goodwin and Sir Ian Wood. A massive total of £320,436 was raised for the charity smashing the previously held record for money raised in one evening by over £70,000.
Harburn House, West Lothian, Scotland provided the spectacular backdrop for a perfect summer ball of opulence and elegance when they played host to The Enchanted Garden Ball in aid of the MS Society Scotland.
Bestselling author and patron of the charity, J K Rowling hosted the evening’s festivities.
A beautiful Georgian mansion, Harburn House, looked resplendent in the evening light and guests were treated to an array of colour from the extensive and well tended grounds and the rhododendron bushes surrounding the front lawn as they sipped champagne and enjoyed delicious canapes.
Guests were treated to a sumptuous banquet prepared by Scottish caterers, Wilde Thyme; live jazz from Scottish musicians Graeme Stephen and Martin Kershaw and an opportunity to find one of three Hamilton & Inches diamonds, worth £1,250, hidden amongst 250 chocolate boxes. The evening culminated in a spectacular fire dance finale by dance company, Diverse Moves.
The auction alone which was conducted by Sotheby’s auctioneer, Lord Harry Dalmeny, raised a fantastic £126,000.
Auction prizes featured several money-can’t-buy exclusive items including a week’s holiday to Sir Richard Branson’s private Necker Island, a personal styling and shopping trip with Gok Wan, VIP tickets to the opening of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park, a photo shoot with world renowned JP Masclet, 2 Medals to the Goodwood Festival of Speed, and the opportunity to become immortalised as a witch or wizard in a portrait hung in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Sarah Winnington- Ingram, Marketing and Events Manager for Harburn House said: “Harburn was delighted to host The Enchanted Garden Ball for the MS Society Scotland. It was a truly magical evening and the estate provided the perfect backdrop for the summertime theme. It’s wonderful also to know that so much money was raised for the MS Society Scotland it was a very special evening. “
