Ska legend to headline star-studded charity gala dinner celebrating hit TV series ‘This Town’

Frontman of iconic band The Specials, Neville leads a sea of famous faces appearing at the Acorns ‘This Town’ Gala Dinner, which aims to raise vital funds for Acorns Children’s Hospice and its lifeline care for local families. 

This unmissable evening is being supported by creator and writer Steven Knight, a dedicated Patron of Acorns, alongside Kudos (part of Banijay UK), the production company behind the series.

The Acorns ‘This Town’ Gala Dinner is a tribute to Birmingham’s rich cultural history, inspired by the hit drama, which is set against the backdrop of the vibrant ska and two-tone music scenes and captures a pivotal moment in local history. 

Guests can expect a journey through 1980s Birmingham, with entertainment, live music and a fine dining experience – all while helping local families across the West Midlands caring for seriously ill children get the care and support they desperately need.

Neville Staple, a cornerstone of the ska movement and one of the genre’s leading figures, will close the gala dinner with an unforgettable headline performance. Joining Neville on the line-up are some of Birmingham’s biggest talents and rising stars. The evening will also welcome some of the show’s main cast and, of course, Steven Knight himself.

The exclusive event will be hosted by award-winning comedian, actress, and writer Shazia Mirza, and will feature live music from RnB best seller Indigo Marshall and Reggae revivalists Young Culture Band. Birmingham Poet Laureate 2020-2022, Casey Bailey, will also give a bespoke performance seen nowhere else. 

Trevor Johnson, Chief Executive at Acorns Children’s Hospice, said: “We are thrilled to have such an extraordinary line-up of local talent, led by none other than ska legend Neville Staple. Coupled by the fantastic support of Acorns Patron Steven Knight and Kudos, this is without doubt one of our biggest and most ambitious events ever.

“But amidst the style and glamour, it is important to remember that at the heart of this truly special event are the children and families we support. This night is for them and will enable us to continue to provide the care and support they can’t get anywhere else.” 

Acorns Children’s Hospice provides specialist palliative care for babies, children and young people with life limiting and life threatening conditions, and support for their families. 

In the past year, the charity has cared for more than 780 children across the West Midlands, and supported over 1,000 families, including those who are bereaved. Children visit Acorns for rehabilitative respite, symptom management, emergency and end-of-life care, 

This care and support is provided from Acorns three hospices, based in Birmingham, Walsall and Worcester, and in the community.

Acorns needs around £35,000 each day to provide its children’s hospice care, with two thirds of that amount coming from generous donations and fundraising by the local community.

The last few tickets remaining for the exclusive Acorns ‘This Town’ Gala Dinner are available £165 each. Secure your tickets by visiting acorns.org.uk/thistown