IPSWICH: Dig out your party frocks and get ready to raise thousands for a great cause – while having a marvellous night in the process.

The first details of this year’s glittering Press Ball can be revealed today as organisers gear up for the charity ball, to be held at the Suffolk Showground for the first time.

And, as the event enters its 16th year, the top act to perform at the show can be unveiled – R&B and soul star Lemar.

As one of the most successful performers to come from a reality TV show, Lemar is a real crowd-pleaser and will ensure the night’s entertainment is second to none.

Mick Parker, managing director of Parker Communications, said: “I’ve a long-standing and very proud association with the Press Ball having stage managed every event for the last 15 years.

“This year will be the most enjoyable yet with top-line cabaret, superb venue, excellent catering and a ‘money can’t buy’ auction.

“Tables are selling really quickly and we will enjoy a high quality evening which will help make it a great night for our worthy charities for whom we aim to raise lots of additional funding.”

Nigel Pickover, editor of the Ipswich Star which helps to organise the event, said: “This year we have moved the Press Ball to the grandiose status of the Suffolk Show- ground.

“We are now getting ready for one of the great nights of the year. To have Lemar performing is the icing on the cake.”

This year’s proceeds will go to cystic fibrosis and a contribution to the charities of the president of the Suffolk Show, Lord Deben.

Last year’s event raised more than �17,000 for worthwhile causes. The Cystic Fibrosis Trust was the main beneficiary, and guest of honour was Kerry Thorpe, who has been told she could die from the disease if she cannot get a lung transplant.

Graeme Kalbraier, managing director of Call Connection, said: “Call Connection is once again delighted to be the main sponsor of the Press Ball. It’s a great event, raising funds for a great cause – cystic fibrosis.

“And with the news from Imperial College regarding its imminent gene therapy trial, it’s great to think that the funds we raise could really help to discover a cure for the disorder.”

Matt Rudling, director of customer services at UK Power Networks, said: “We are involved with every community across Suffolk as we own, maintain and improve the 92,000km of overhead lines and underground cables in the east of England that bring electricity from the national grid to individual properties.

“Supporting the Press Ball, which has done such a fantastic job over the years raising funds for good causes, is an extra way that we can give something back to the communities where our staff and customers live and work.”

Chris Bushby, executive director of Suffolk Agricultural Association, added: “We are delighted to be sponsoring the event here at Trinity Park. As an association, we try to help a number of charities across the year. We are very proud to be associated with the Press Ball.”

The event takes place on Friday, June 15.

n Do you support the Press Ball charities for a special reason? Write to Your Letters, Ipswich Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail starnews@archant.co.uk