Friends for Leisure Announces Charity Gala Dinner

Friends for Leisure, an Cheshire East charity supporting children and young people with additional needs and disabilities, is inviting businesses, supporters and members of the local community to come together for a special fundraising gala dinner celebrating the charity's 30th anniversary.

Taking place on Saturday 17th October 2026 at Congleton Golf Club, the black-tie event will raise vital funds to help Friends for Leisure continue supporting disabled children and young people across Cheshire East. 

The evening will begin with a welcome drinks reception before guests enjoy a three-course meal, live entertainment from local band Dr Bruff and the Push, fundraising activities and an opportunity to celebrate three decades of helping young people build friendships, confidence and independence. 

For more than 30 years, Friends for Leisure has provided social and leisure opportunities for children and young people with additional needs and disabilities aged between 5 and 21 across Congleton, Macclesfield, Crewe, Knutsford, Sandbach and Disley. Through youth groups, sports, drama, bowling and holiday activities, the charity helps tackle isolation and loneliness while giving young people the chance to enjoy everyday friendships.  

The event comes at a crucial time for the charity. Earlier this year, Friends for Leisure announced it had been forced to introduce charges for some of its services due to increasing financial pressures, making fundraising more important than ever to safeguard its future. 

Amanda Hunt, General Manager at Friends for Leisure, said:

"This gala dinner is an opportunity to celebrate everything Friends for Leisure has achieved over the past 30 years, but it's also about looking ahead to the future. Every ticket purchased and every pound raised will help us continue providing life-changing opportunities for children and young people with additional needs and disabilities who might otherwise experience isolation and loneliness. We hope businesses, families and supporters from across Cheshire East will join us for what promises to be a fantastic evening."  

The event is adults only and includes a welcome drink, three-course meal and evening entertainment.

The dress code is black tie or lounge suit with cocktail or evening dresses. Places are limited and booking is essential. 

To reserve tickets or find out more email: 

info@friendsforleisure.org.uk

... before 31 August 2026. 

About Friends for Leisure:  

Friends for Leisure is a Cheshire East charity which supports disabled children and young people aged between 5-21. The charity aims to reduce isolation and loneliness, which can often accompany having a disability, as well as improve children’s confidence, self-esteem and overall wellbeing. Operating across Congleton, Macclesfield, Crewe, Knutsford, Sandbach and Disley with head offices in Congleton.  

Friends for Leisure believes everyone needs a friend. The charity is passionate about offering disabled children and young people the opportunity to have everyday friendships and take part in leisure activities, such as drama and sports sessions as well as regular youth groups and ten pin bowling.    

www.friendsforleisure.org.uk