North-east charity, Maggie’s Aberdeen, is turning up the flavour for its 2025 Orange Ball, with guests getting the chance to win a one-of-a-kind experience courtesy of Mackie’s of Scotland.
Tickets are now on sale for the annual fundraising Ball at The Chester Hotel, Aberdeen, on Saturday 6 September.
The much-loved local ice cream brand is supporting Maggie’s in the most delicious way possible: with a bespoke flavour creation experience. This wonderful prize will be included in an auction on the night, and the lucky winner will be invited to Mackie’s farm in Aberdeenshire to invent their very own unique ice cream flavour, enjoying a hands-on, behind-the-scenes adventure with the expert team.
Last year, the Ball raised £60,000, which goes towards supporting people with cancer and their family and friends. Now in its 12th year, the charity is hoping to exceed this, and believes the chance to win this star prize will help ensure the event is a sell-out.
Kirstin McNutt, Development Director at Mackie’s of Scotland, said: "We are thrilled to be supporting Maggie's Aberdeen at their Orange Ball this year. Maggie's is such a vital charity, providing incredible support and a comforting haven for so many people affected by cancer. We're immensely proud to play a small part in their fantastic efforts and be able to provide a lucky winner the chance to make some ice cream with us on the farm."
Front: left to right Thomas McCallum of Mackies, and Richard Stewart of Maggie’s with some of the Maggie’s team.
With a dress code of ‘black tie with a touch of orange’, the Orange Ball promises to be an evening of celebration and glamour, hosted by the charismatic Alex Fleming. Guests will be welcomed with a performance by award-winning female chorus Albacappella, followed by soul-stirring vocals from talented jazz artists, and high-energy live music from local favourites Totico, keeping the dancefloor full well into the night.
Richard Stewart, Fundraising Manager at Maggie’s Aberdeen, said: “Whether you're drawn by the dancing, the dazzling entertainment, or the chance to churn your own custom ice cream, the Maggie’s Orange Ball is shaping up to be a highlight of Aberdeen’s social calendar.
“The Ball is one of the most important nights in our fundraising calendar, and every penny raised helps us continue to provide free support across the North-east to people living with cancer and their loved ones. We’re incredibly grateful to our generous sponsors and supporters whose kindness makes this event possible year after year. If you haven’t secured your ticket yet, now is the time - join us for a night of celebration, compassion and community spirit while making a real difference.”
David and Adele Joan Langton, who attended and spoke at the ball last year, explained the importance of these events for ensuring Maggie’s can continue to provide free cancer support. David was diagnosed with cancer in 2021, and Adele received her diagnosis in 2023.
Adele said: “It was a really dark time for us. We began going to Maggie’s, and being there gave us tremendous support and helped us to come to terms with our disease. We became part of a big family, and through visiting, taking part in groups, having individual sessions, and just being in the building, we were provided with the help we needed at the time we needed it. We continue to visit Maggie’s regularly, both of us gaining great benefit from being there.
“We were both honoured to be asked to represent Maggie’s at the 2024 Orange Ball. The event was a wonderful opportunity to share with the other guests how important Maggie’s is, and to tell them about the support Maggie’s also provides for family members of people with cancer.”
Tables of ten are available for £1,000, with individual tickets also offered. To book or find out more, contact the Maggie’s Aberdeen team at aberdeenfundraising@maggies.org.