FRIENDS staging a fundraising event for Weston Park Cancer Hospital have been left stunned after the popularity of the event grew beyond all expectations.
Lindsay Stephens, who runs The Works beauty studio, Crookes, and Hillsborough-based photographer Karl Stancliffe originally had a small-sized venue in mind such as a hotel function room.
But they asked businesses to back the event by buying tickets and were overwhelmed with the amount of support.
Now Lindsay and Karl have had to book Ponds Forge Fire and Ice-themed party on Saturday November 22, which will feature a host of entertainment and has already attracted more than 900 people.
Mum-of-two Lindsay, aged 31, said: "We started off with the idea of holding a fairly small event for the hospital. Both my parents, Marilyn and Ian, who lived in Stannington, died of cancer in their early 50s and Karl's dad is currently being treated at Weston Park."
Lindsay added: "We initially looked at places like the St Paul's Hotel, then Bramall Lane, but as the size of the event grew, we realised we needed a really large venue. So far, we have filled 92 tables of between 10 and 12 people.
"It's the first time we have organised this event and are delighted with the amount of support we have received."
Psychic Peter Antoniou is making an appearance, plus the original Calendar Girls - members of a village women's institute who started the trend for baring all to make a calendar and whose story was turned into a hit film.
Entertainment includes a large fashion show featuring major Sheffield stores, local martial arts display team Strike from TV's Britain's Got Talent, Sheffield dance groups Maximum Style, Boomshaka Tribal, Demolition Dance, and cheerleading squad Sheffield Storm.
Make-up and fashion demonstrations will be given by Sheffield College, and there will be performances by fire dancers, stilt walkers and acrobats.
The Sharp Cuts band and Gatecrasher club DJs will be making music, while guests will also be able to try their luck at a six table casino, sponsored by Napoleon's. There will also be a two-course meal, auctions, raffles and photography.
Lindsay and Karl are also looking for South Yorkshire companies interested in sponsoring parts of the event, with tickets costing £35.
- For tickets or information visit
westonparkevent.co.uk, call into The Works or ring on 0114 268 6067.
What do you think? Add your comment below.READ MOREMain news indexYour letters.
FeaturesMore Rotherham newsMore Doncaster newsMore Barnsley newsCheck out the very latest on South Yorkshire's roads - including live traffic cameras on Sheffield's commuter routes - with our Traffic sectionLatest sport.