Yorkshire Cancer Research will return to Castle Howard in March 2027 for its second ‘A Night Like No Other’ gala dinner, bringing together leading figures from food, television, design and entertainment to raise funds for cancer research across the region.
Yorkshire Cancer Research has announced the return of its flagship ‘A Night Like No Other’ gala dinner at Castle Howard following the success of its inaugural event, which raised £140,000 for cancer research.
The event will take place in March 2027, with the Hon. Nicholas and Victoria Howard once again opening the doors of their historic North Yorkshire home to supporters of the charity.
Organisers hope the next gala will raise even more towards pioneering research, clinical trials, cancer prevention and new treatments for people across Yorkshire.
Every 15 minutes, someone in Yorkshire is told they have cancer, according to Yorkshire Cancer Research, and the charity says funds generated by the event will help support its work to improve prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
Guests will be welcomed beneath the dome of Castle Howard’s Great Hall before moving into the Long Gallery for a five-course dinner, entertainment and fundraising auction.
The Hon. Nicholas Howard, owner of Castle Howard, said: “Cancer has touched our family, as it has so many others, and it means a great deal to us to support the charity's pioneering work.
“We are proud to host this very special evening and to play a part in helping fund research that makes a positive difference to lives across Yorkshire.”
For Victoria Howard, the event also has a strong personal connection. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020 and later discovered that she carries a BRCA gene variant, which can increase the risk of developing certain cancers.
She said: “I’m hugely supportive of cancer research in all its guises and I'm proud to support Yorkshire's cancer charity.
“I would particularly like to encourage research into cancer prevention. While my husband and I have both benefitted from the enormous strides being made in cancer treatment, the ultimate goal must be the prevention of this terrible disease happening in the first place.”
The 2027 event will reunite a number of people who helped create the charity’s first gala dinner.
Award-winning actress and presenter Joe Rooke will return as Master of Ceremonies.
She said: “There were so many magical moments from the charity’s first gala dinner, but what made the evening most special was knowing that everyone in the room was helping make a meaningful difference to people in Yorkshire affected by cancer.
“Cancer has touched people very close to me, including my sister-in-law and her mum who have both experienced breast cancer.
“It’s incredible to see the impact that research funded by Yorkshire Cancer Research has on people in our region. It is helping to change the future of cancer for people across our region, and to play even a small part of that is a real privilege.”
People interested in attending or supporting the event can find further details through the Yorkshire Cancer Research ‘A Night Like No Other’ event page.
The fundraising auction will be led by York-based antiques expert Briony ‘Bee’ Harford, Regional Director for Yorkshire and the North East at international auction house Bonhams.
She is also known for appearances on television programmes including The Travelling Auctioneers and Antiques Road Trip.
Harford said: “My role as auctioneer is to bring plenty of energy and encourage everyone to raise their bidding paddle in support of life-saving cancer research.
“Yorkshire has absolutely stolen my heart. Since moving here, I can’t imagine living anywhere else. It’s fundamental that we fund research that can best support people with cancer across this incredible region.
“This event also means a great deal to me as both my parents have experienced cancer. Thankfully, they are now cancer-free and that’s thanks to advancements in research and treatments. Seeing the difference research makes is what motivates me to support the work of Yorkshire Cancer Research.”
Guests will also be served a five-course Michelin-star tasting menu created by Andrew Pern, Chef and Patron of the Star Inn at Harome.
Pern said: “My dad passed away from cancer before I became involved with the charity’s 2025 Gala Dinner event, so it feels very meaningful to be involved.
“For March 2027, the menu will celebrate the best of a Yorkshire spring, showcasing exceptional local produce and flavours that make this region so special.”
Castle Howard’s interiors will once again be transformed by Charlotte Lloyd-Webber, Artistic Director of CLW Event Design.
Her team plans to use spring flowers and fresh bulbs throughout the venue, reflecting themes of renewal, optimism and new beginnings.
She said: “Working on the Yorkshire Cancer Research Gala Dinner is a real highlight for our team, and we're delighted to be supporting the charity. My daughter lost her father, Nick, to cancer at just 43, so it’s a cause very close to our family’s hearts.
“Last year, we took inspiration from the extraordinary surroundings of Castle Howard, and 2027 will be no different.
“This time, we want to celebrate themes of renewal, optimism, and new beginnings, so we plan to use beautiful spring flowers and fresh bulbs.
“We hope our designs reflect the hope that cancer research brings, and the brighter future Yorkshire Cancer Research is helping create for people affected by cancer in our region.”
Event planner Jane Nordli will also return after helping organise the previous gala.
Nordli was diagnosed with breast cancer while planning the 2025 event.
She said: “I have such wonderful memories of the charity’s Gala Dinner. The setting was beautiful, the atmosphere was so uplifting, and most importantly, we were able to raise an incredible amount of money for pioneering cancer research.
“It was during planning the 2025 event when I was told I had breast cancer. Thankfully, it was caught early and quickly treated, and I feel fortunate to now be cancer-free.
“It is an honour to play a role in 'A Night Like No Other' and I'm delighted to use my skillset in event planning to support the work of Yorkshire Cancer Research.”
Yorkshire Cancer Research is currently funding £75 million of pioneering research and innovative services, with projects focused on finding and bringing new cancer treatments and approaches to people across the region.
Neil Preston, Director of Fundraising and Supporter Experience at Yorkshire Cancer Research, said: “Yorkshire Cancer Research is incredibly grateful to The Hon. Nicholas and Victoria Howard for generously welcoming us back to the magnificent Castle Howard, and to the committed supporters who make this event possible.
“By attending, guests will play a vital role in helping to create a future where more cancers are detected early, better treatments are available to everyone, and fewer people face a cancer diagnosis.”
