Malmesbury has held its first ever Virtual Mayor’s Ball, which raises money for local charities.

More than 200 local people, and guests from further afield, attended, including the mayors of Melksham, Royal Wootton Bassett and Salisbury, the Leader of Wiltshire Council and the Deputy Lieutenant of Wiltshire.

In total the event raised over £3,000 for local charity Heals of Malmesbury and the soon to launch community project, Explore Malmesbury.

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Mayor of Malmesbury Campbell Ritchie said. "The Mayor’s Ball is an important fixture in the town’s civic calendar and we felt it was important to create a light hearted and fun event even when we were not able to meet in person. The feedback the team have received has been tremendous and made all the hard work to organise the Ball worthwhile. I am very grateful for the amazing support of so many individuals and local businesses who have contributed so generously. The funds raised will be put to really good use."

Highlights included a magic show by Magic Circle star Kerry Scorah, cocktail making guided by Justin Feingold, live from the bar of The Old Bell Hotel, and games involving all the audience led by the Mayoress and Deputy Mayoress of Malmesbury. Master of Ceremonies, Andy Somers, provided the links and brought the house down with his Bruce Forsyth impersonation in an enthusiastic version of “Play Your Cards Right”.

Deputy Mayor of Malmesbury Paul Smith gently encouraged donations for the silent auction items, while engaging short videos, produced by Malmesbury’s Young Citizen of the year George Davis, highlighted how the funds generated would be used.

The evening was rounded off by an After Ball Party hosted by Flying Monk Community Radio, who played classic dance requests from the audience until late in the evening. Town Council staff, led by Cllr Steve D’Arcy, ably managed the technology.