Prince Edward returns to Surbiton for youth gala

The Creative Youth Gala was celebrated at Glenmore House on Wednesday evening (March 30) and welcomed guests such as the Mayor of Kingston, Councillor Sushila Abraham, and Father Martin Hislop.

Guests enjoyed a celebratory night of food, an auction, speed raffle and performances from young performers, including singer-songwriter Kara Marni and magician Steph Prodromou - all in aid of the Creative Youth Charity.

Jordy Deelight performs at Creative Youth Gala Dinner

Creative Youth is a charity based in Kingston-upon-Thames that enables young people aged five to 26 to realise their potential through the arts - involving them in original, and ambitious projects.

Projects include the Creative Talent Programme, a young people's skills development programme and a forthcoming project AMP Kingston – which includes subjects of Art, Music, and Pop Fashion.

At the gala, local audio-visual company Aztec Event Services, announced that Creative Youth has been named as its Charity of the Year in 2022 and has set a target to raise £6,000.HRH Prince Edward meeting guests at Creative Youth's Gala Dinner

Robin Hutchinson MBE, Chair of Creative Youth said: “This was our tenth gala dinner, and we are delighted and proud that the Earl of Wessex has attended each one.

“With his support these events have raised over £100,000 for the charity.

“Money that is badly needed to ensure that we are able to continue our work to support young and emerging creatives.

“We would like to thank all our amazing supporters and friends who work so hard to enable our charity to fulfil its ambitions particularly over the last two difficult years.”

The evening was hosted by Jordy Deelight, one of Creative Youth's Creative Talent Programme artists.

The company has pledged to provide audio visual equipment for FUSE International (formerly International Youth Arts Festival) free of charge this summer.