Lord Mayor’s Big Curry a huge success
The 9th annual Lord Mayor’s Big Curry Lunch was another huge success this year, with over 1,200 guests turning up to the Charity’s flagship fundraising event at London’s Guildhall. Joined this year by HRH Prince Harry, the sell-out event in the City of London once again raised vital funds for soldiers and veterans affected by the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The Lord Mayor’s Big Curry has become a yearly tradition in the City; a buffet style lunch that brings together soldiers, veterans, Charity beneficiaries, senior members of the British Army and business leaders from across London to support our work as the Army’s National Charity. The Royal Guest of Honour at this year’s event was HRH Prince Harry, who himself served in the British Army for 10 years. The Prince took the time to speak with a number of serving soldiers and beneficiaries of the Charity, as well as several members of Soldiers’ Charity staff.
A keen supporter of military charities, Prince Harry praised the work of ABF The Soldiers’ Charity and our work with soldiers and veterans, saying: “Although this is the first time I have attended the lunch, I am keenly aware of the significant contribution this event makes to ABF The Soldiers’ Charity and their ability to support soldiers and veterans, both regulars and reservists, who have served in conflicts from the 1940s through to Iraq and Afghanistan, and their families.”
As hundreds of guests took their seats for the first lunch sitting just after midday, Prince Harry continued to take the time to speak with those in attendance, including the catering staff from Noon Foods, and the Band of the Parachute Regiment, who provided a brass quintet as background music for the lunch.
“I am keenly aware of the significant contribution this event makes to ABF The Soldiers’ Charity and their ability to support soldiers and veterans, both regulars and reservists, who have served in conflicts from the 1940s through to Iraq and Afghanistan, and their families.”
– HRH Prince Harry
Another feature of the day was the silent auction, hosted by online auction company Givergy. Launched a number of weeks before the event, the silent auction closed after lunch, with final and winning bids announced. Both attending guests and members of the public bid on a range of prizes such as tickets to Wimbeldon’s Centre Court, a 3 night stay in a 6* hotel, tours of Lambeth Palace and the Royal Hospital Chelsea and many others. As the Lunch wound down and the Royal Party and guests departed, the Charity reflected on another hugely successful year for the Lord Mayor’s Big Curry Lunch.