Harrogate-based cancer charity announces A Night Like No Other to boost research

Following the success of the Harrogate-based charity’s inaugural event in its centenary year, the Hon Nicholas and Victoria Howard will once again open the doors of their magnificent home to host A Night Like No Other and raise vital funds.

A charity spokesperson said: "Every 15 minutes, someone in Yorkshire is told they have cancer.

"Every guest who attends A Night Like No Other will not only experience an exceptional evening but help Yorkshire Cancer Research bring pioneering breakthroughs to people across the region, now and in the future. 

"Looking ahead to the next chapter of cancer research in Yorkshire, the 2027 Gala Dinner will celebrate the advancements happening today thanks to people in Yorkshire which are helping to shape a brighter future tomorrow, from life-giving cancer treatments and clinical trials to bold research exploring innovative ways to prevent cancer."

Set within the stunning surroundings of Castle Howard, guests will enjoy a reception beneath the iconic dome of the Great Hall before joining the Hon Nicholas and Victoria Howard in the Long Gallery for an evening of fine dining, entertainment and a fundraising auction. The Howards, who have themselves experienced cancer, are committed to supporting the work of Yorkshire Cancer Research across the region. 

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, hosting a Night Like No Other is a chance to support pioneering research in areas of personal significance: cancer prevention and genetic risk. Victoria was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020 and has since discovered she carries a BRCA gene variant, which increases her risk of developing certain cancers.  

Victoria Howard, owner of Castle Howard, 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 event reunites a remarkable team, including several people whose creativity and expertise helped make the charity’s first gala dinner such a success. Award-winning actress and presenter Joe Rooke is excited for her role as Master of Ceremonies.  

Joe Rooke, Master of Ceremonies for 'A Night Like No Other' 2027, 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.” 

Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of supporters, the 2025 Gala Dinner raised £140,000, and Yorkshire Cancer Research hopes the 2027 event will raise even more to help save lives in Yorkshire. 

To help support this ambitious goal, leading British antiques expert and auctioneer Briony 'Bee' Harford is joining the 2027 event.

As Regional Director for Yorkshire and the North East at international auction house Bonhams, as well as a familiar face on TV programmes The Travelling Auctioneers and Antiques Road Trip, Briony specialises in valuing and selling unique treasures from across the region. 

Briony Harford, Auctioneer at A Night Like No Other, 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.” 

Along with the auction, guests will enjoy a five-course Michelin-star tasting menu created by Andrew Pern, the Chef and Patron at the Star Inn at Harome.  

Andrew Pern, Guest Chef at A Night Like No Other, 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." 

Returning to transform the spectacular interiors of Castle Howard is Charlotte Lloyd-Webber, Artistic Director of CLW Event Design. Renowned for creating extraordinary floral installations at some of the UK's most prestigious heritage properties, Charlotte and her team will bring their signature creativity to the event. 

Charlotte Lloyd-Webber, Event Designer 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.” 

Also helping to bring A Night Like No Other to life is experienced event planner Jane Nordli, whose involvement in the Gala Dinner holds personal significance following her own diagnosis of breast cancer in 2024.  

Jane Nordli, Event Planner for A Night Like No Other, 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." 

As a member of her local Yorkshire Cancer Research volunteer group in Ilkley for over 20 years, Rosie Hepplewhite has helped raise thousands of pounds for life-saving cancer research through community fundraising events. She is now part of the committee behind ‘A Night Like No Other’, bringing her experience as both a long-standing supporter and former guest to help shape the event.  

Rosie Hepplewhite, Yorkshire Cancer Research Ilkley Local Volunteer Group member, said: “It's been great fun to join the committee and exciting to help create an evening that will inspire people to support the charity’s work. 

“Yorkshire Cancer Research has not only seen over 100 years of impressive research in cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment, but it is funding vital services that are benefitting people in Yorkshire right now. With thanks to every guest who attends ‘A Night Like No Other’, I’m looking forward to seeing how these innovations continue to develop in the future.” 

Yorkshire Cancer Research funds £75 million of pioneering research and innovative services, finding and bringing new cancer cures to people in the region to help create a Yorkshire free from cancer. 

Amy Hacker, Trustee at Yorkshire Cancer Research, said: "I can truly say that the Yorkshire Cancer Research Gala Dinner is A Night Like No Other.

"What makes the evening so special is the shared sense of purpose in the room and knowing that, together, we are helping the charity make a difference for people with cancer in Yorkshire.” 

Join Yorkshire Cancer Research for an unforgettable evening and help write the next chapter in cancer research in Yorkshire: www.yorkshirecancerresearch.org.uk/events-fundraising/a-night-like-no-other