Hundreds of guests helped to make this year’s Blackburn with Darwen Council's Mayor's Ball one of the most successful ever.
Cllr Suleman Khonat was joined by fellow councillors, civic dignitaries and business leaders from across Lancashire at the event held at in the at The Glass Marquee at the Stanley House Hotel in Mellor.
As well as some stunning entertainment from Blackburn-based Katrina’s Dance Academy, singer Miranda Myles and Desi Nach, guests also heard from charities who were due to benefit from the event.
Funds on the night will go towards the East Lancashire Hospice, Nightsafe and Anaphylaxis UK, a national charity whose work supports people with serious, life-threatening allergies.
Speaking in front of over 500 guests on Friday (February 25) night Cllr Khonat said: “It’s fantastic to see so many of you here, in support of our mayoral charities. Thank you all very much for coming along.
“Throughout my time as Mayor, it has been a privilege to represent Blackburn with Darwen at many, many events and functions, and to support local causes and help residents.”
He thanked daughter Reyhana for helping to organise the event and for the support of his six children and grandchildren.
“This makes me really proud. It’s absolutely fantastic to have their support on this special night for the mayoral charities.
“I want to pay tribute to my late wife, Rabia, who we lost eight years ago. Charity was very important to Rabia. If there was a worthy cause that needed support, she would always be the first person to offer it.
“I know that Rabia would be so proud to see all of her children working together as my Mayoresses and Consort, supporting me as Mayor to do everything we can for the benefit of our chosen charities.
“I’d like to thank all the businesses that have kindly sponsored this evening’s event – without you we simply wouldn’t have been able to stage such an event and your support will go a long way to helping us reach our charity fundraising targets.”
The Stanley House Hotel hosted the event
Cllr Khonat who was born in Malawi also revealed how his Mayorship had been received in the country.
He said: “Who would have thought that a boy born in the Lilongwe district of Malawi in Africa would one day serve as Mayor of a borough in England.
"Last May, at the start of my mayoral year, the national media in Malawi ran articles about the local boy who had become the first citizen of the area he had made his home. That was a proud moment.”
The Mayor said he was, like many others, looking forward to the King’s Coronation weekend which coincidently was taking place on his birthday.
He added: “I’ve particularly enjoyed attending awards events and I have been taken aback to see and hear about all the great things local people do for others – it’s truly inspirational and makes me feel proud to be a part of this fabulous borough.”
The dinner was supported by a range of businesses including The National Retailers Community Association; The Saffron Group; Dinner Lady; Nybble; HR and You; The Calico Group and MyLahore.
An auction and raffle also raised more funds for the Mayor’s charities with Star Tissue UK claiming the largest prize on the night by bidding for a signed Cristiano Ronaldo boot.
A final figure of how much was raised will be announced later.
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