Celebrities gather to support Emeli Sande charity gala

Last night the award winning Chuk89 venue held Emeli Sande’s charity gala in aid of The Serenge Project, a charity close to Sande’s heart, named after the birthplace of Emeli’s father in Zambia, it’s in accordance with Oxfam supports the local community with education and medical help.

Emeli commented on the fantastic Serenge project: “I had the opportunity to fulfil the dream of a lifetime, and go to Zambia, the birthplace of my father earlier this year.  It was wonderful to see the amazing work that Oxfam have done and continue to do. Having had the chance to visit my fathers hometown, this wonderful charitable donation will enable us to help fund causes dear to us on a personal level and specific to his home village and made a sizeable difference to many lives.” 

Chuk89 held the star-studded event, with stars including Danny Dyer, Rosie Fortescue, Oliver Proudlock, Sam Faiers, Lauren Pope, Zara Martin, Lilah Parsons and Flavia Cacace from BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, all enjoying the sumptuously indulgent three course Indian meal, which included the most fantastic chocolate samosa’s I think anyone had ever tried, the beautiful surroundings and top service.

During the dinner, everyone enjoyed entertainment, with fabulous hosting from radio DJ Nihal, comedian and actor Doc Brown who had the room in stitches, the soulful and spectacular Mica Paris wowed everyone belting out classics and of course, the main act, Emeli herself sang an acoustic set and even treated us with a song from her new album. Ending the night was Zara Martin who took to the decks during the after party, which got everyone dancing into the late hours of the night.

To raise funds for the charity, an auction was held, with amazing goodies such as signed football shirts, tennis men’s final tickets and more, reaching huge amounts in exciting bidding wars, and raising thousands for the amazing charity which will supports the local community with education and medical help in Zambia.

The event was a huge success, thanks to the brilliant venue Chuk89, the impressive guest list and of course the magnificent entertainment and a great cause has benefited.

Holly Ashe
Photo: Sarah Louise Renwick