IT'S a Soul Sensation! Guests at the Ipswich and Suffolk Press Ball will be saving the last dance after organisers today announced the headline act.

IT'S a Soul Sensation!

Guests at the Ipswich and Suffolk Press Ball will be saving the last dance after organisers today announced the headline act.

Press Ball planners have revealed that international rock legend and soul sensation Ray Lewis of The Drifters fame will perform at the Soul Ball themed night of nights.

Ray, with his group Still Drifting, are expected to play all the hits including Save the Last Dance, Under the Boardwalk and Saturday Night at the Movies to name but a few.

Press Ball organiser Bridget York, creative director of top London events firm Entire Affair, said: “The repertoire of the group consists of many of their old hits from the 50s and 60s.

“Their music is nostalgic but timeless and still popular with audiences of today.

“Ray Lewis' Drifters perform not only their own hits but also music from artists such as Barry White, Luther Vandross, Boyz II Men, and The Temptations.”

The Press Ball, a dazzling evening of fine foods and wines, will take place on Friday, June 19 at the sumptuous and elegant Hotel Elizabeth, Copdock.

The chosen beneficiary of the thousands raised is the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, a charity dedicated to alleviating and ultimately curing this most cruel of conditions.

Evening Star editor Nigel Pickover said: “Ray Lewis is the lead singer of this amazing group and is one of the world's greatest entertainers

“He was the lead singer of Treadwell's Drifters in the 1970s and 80s and was one of the best lead singers of this legendary group, working alongside Johnny Moore, Ben E King and Bill Fredericks and he knows just how to revive the old hits.

“Ray enjoys worldwide fame thanks to his own unique voice and professional and charismatic aura.

“We are delighted to welcome Ray and the band to the Press Ball. This is going to be a fantastic evening.”

Besides his role in the group, Ray is still concentrating on a solo career and has performed to sell-out theatres and audiences in venues around the world, having been associated with great names like Carole King, Whitney Houston, Lionel Ritchie, Paul McCartney and Diana Ross.

Ipswich firm Call Connection has generously agreed to sponsor the glittering event.

Managing director Graeme Kalbraier said: “Today's announcement is fantastic news and guests will be sure of a night to remember. The Press Ball is a fantastic way to raise much-needed cash for an excellent charity and I am looking forward to a fabulous event. I am proud that Call Connection is sponsoring it.”

Would you like a table at this year's Press Ball? Would you like to sponsor or donate to the event? Please contact Bridget York on 0208 4297530 or e-mail bridget.york@entireaffair.com

Have you benefited from the Ipswich and Suffolk Press Ball? Has your family been affected by Cystic Fibrosis? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or send an e-mail to eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk

More than two million people in the UK carry the faulty gene that causes Cystic Fibrosis - around 1 in 25 of the population.

If two carriers have a child, the baby has a one in four chance of having cystic fibrosis.

Cystic fibrosis affects the internal organs, especially the lungs and digestive system, by clogging them with thick sticky mucus. This makes it hard to breathe and digest food.

Each week, five babies are born with cystic fibrosis.

Average life expectancy is around 31 years, although improvements in treatments mean a baby born today could expect to live for longer.

Past Press Ball themes have included James Bond, Black and White, Harry Potter, An Enchanted Evening, Masquerade and The Champagne Ball.

Providing fantastic vocals are also David Lee Andrews, Lejaune Andre Clements and Leroy Davis.

David hails from California and is an accomplished vocalist in his own right and has been wowing audiences throughout the world with his strong vocals as front man for The Four Tops show. He manages to make his profession look easy with a warm soulful sound and strong persona.

Lejaune is from Miami and used to perform with the legendary Temptations and as such he is an experienced and exceptionally talented individual. Lejaune's personality shines as much as his voice soothes.

Leroy joined the group and is the newest member and possesses an incredible range which has benefited him as an immense vocalist for many years. He manages to exude charm whilst drawing you in with the sheer power of his voice.