SUPPORTERS of St Leonard’s Hospice in York will be donning saris and salwar kameezes to celebrate the charity’s second annual gala dinner in September.

The Bollywood Bonanza will take place at the National Railway Museum on September 21 at 7pm, with all proceeds from the event going towards patient care and the operation of the hospice.

The hospice’s first annual gala dinner took place in November last year with a “snowball” theme, raising £3,500 for the charity.

Sue Miller, fundraising manager for St Leonard’s, said: “We wanted to bring the event forward a little this year to support a summer theme.

“Bollywood is something different. It’s very visual and is also extremely popular at the moment.”

Guests will be welcomed on to the museum’s platforms with a traditional Sanjeewa dance. The event will also include an India-inspired four-course meal, a tombola and a grand prize draw, with music from local band The Entertainment Company.

Fundraisers hope to see at least 200 guests in attendance at this year’s event, which is sponsored by Shepherd’s Group and John Wright Electrical and Mechanical Services.

Sue said: “We had 180 guests attending last year and hope to attract even more this year.

“We’ve sold about 100 tickets, but look forward to selling more to help us build a relationship with smaller local businesses.”

St Leonard’s Hospice was founded in 1985 and offers patient care to those with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.

Places for the dinner can be booked for £55 from the fundraising department by phoning 01904 777777 or by visiting stleonardshospice.org.uk