Waterlow Hall Gala Dinner
Guests gathered in the Banking Hall to celebrate the success of the fundraising campaign this weekend, as we edge nearer to opening the doors of our stunning new performance space.
On Saturday evening, in the heart of the city of London, 300 guests were whisked out of the cold into the iconic art deco venue (recently featured in Killing Eve) for the Waterlow Hall Gala Reception. Guests for the evening included numerous alumnae, governors and friends, including parents of pupils – past and present – and three former South Hampstead Headmistresses. After the call to dinner, they descended the marble staircase into the main hall, serenaded by South Hampstead’s Salsera – our talented musicians, who played a selection of Latin American dance tunes.
A hush descended as Deputy Head Girl, Kate, performed the beautiful poem ‘Music’ by Walter de La Mare, as guests were given a virtual reality tour of what it might feel like to hear words spoken in our new, state-of-the-art hall. In her speech, Mrs Bingham recognised the warmth and generosity of the wider school community in helping to secure the future heart of the school: “Waterlow Hall will be where we reflect and find expression as a community… a venue to welcome partner schools, to generate funds for our bursary programme and to celebrate a joyous future.”
The silent auction included more than 60 fantastic lots, including a day on the Head Girl Team and a weekend with the school dog, Maple – an offer which attracted over 70 bids! On the evening, improv comedian Neil Mullarkey ensured that the Penguin Paddles (produced by the Design & Technology department) were held high for the live auction, which raised over £20,000, before guests moved onto the dance floor for the fabulous DJ Judge Jules.
The memorable, celebratory evening raised over £100,000 – through the auction, sponsorship, pledges and gifts – towards our £3 million total, leaving just £150,000 left to raise. Don’t miss out on your chance to be involved and contribute to the campaign: donate now.
View the Gala Brochure here and more photos from the evening here.