More seats released for this weekend’s Gary Avis and Friends charity gala at the Ipswich Regent

Yasmine Naghdi will be performing in Gary Avis and Friends charity gala. Photo: Nigel Norrington (Image: Nigel Norrington)

Tomorrow and Sunday’s dance for Suffolk shows is raising funds for Suffolk Community Foundation’s arts and culture fund.

It’s only the second time in more than 50 years that The Royal Ballet has visited Ipswich this weekend. Almost 3,000 people have already bought their tickets for this event, jam packed with Royal Ballet stars performing iconic works shows such as Swan Lake, The Nutcracker and Romeo and Juliet.

“Tickets in the stalls have been pretty much sold out for weeks. This is an important charity event for Suffolk and I want to make sure it’s packed to the rafters and that every possible penny is raised,” said Ipswich-born ballet star Gary Avis, who has organised gala.

“I asked the producers of the show at Suffolk Community Foundation to reach out to all sponsors, production teams and supporters to find every possible seat to put back on sale. I don’t want any opportunity to be wasted. I’m glad to say a final release of just 50 stalls seats can now take place today.”

The seats will all be sold on a first come first served basis within the lower price bands from this morning.

Hosted by Strictly Come Dancing’s Anton du Beke, every penny of profit - an anticipated £100,000 - will be donated back to Suffolk charities via the Suffolk Community Foundation.

More than 40 dancers and crew from all over the world are donating there time to make the event possible.

Gary adds: “I’m so excited about these shows, we have some incredible pieces to perform and some huge stars too. It’s only 24 hours to go until our opening night, but we are almost ready to go.”