Yorkshire Cancer Research announces 'A Night Like No Other' 2027 to help write the next chapter of cancer research content
Yorkshire Cancer Research is encouraging people in Yorkshire to experience a spectacular gala dinner at Castle Howard next spring (March 2027) and help write the next chapter of cancer research in Yorkshire.
Following the success of the 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 for life-saving cancer research in Yorkshire.
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, remarkable 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.
Quote from The Hon. Nicholas Howard
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.
Quote from Victoria Howard
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.”
Quote from Joe Rooke
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.
Quote from Briony Harford
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.
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.
Quote from Andrew Pern
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 at 'A Night Like No Other' 2027, 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.”
Quote from Charlotte Lloyd-Webber
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."
Quote from Jane Nordli
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."
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.
Quote from Rosie Hepplewhite
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.”
Quote from Amy Hacker
"As a Trustee, I have the privilege of seeing first-hand the impact of the charity’s work and the progress being made through the research and services it funds. Looking to the next chapter of cancer research in Yorkshire, I hope to see our region’s outstanding researchers and clinicians continue to lead the way in developing new treatments, improving survival and bringing us closer to a future where cancer causes less heartbreak for families. Events like ‘A Night Like No Other’ play an important role in making that future possible.”
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."
Join Yorkshire Cancer Research for an unforgettable evening at Castle Howard.
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