The fourth Blenheim Ball, held at the historic Oxford venue, raised the funds for Starlight, a national charity that supports children in hospitals and hospices across the UK by championing the therapeutic benefits of play.

The event was compèred by comedian Rory Bremner and attended by around 200 guests, including Starlight co-founder and Dynasty actor Emma Samms.

Robert Walton and Donna Ida attend the Blenheim Ball (Image: Dave Benett)

Other guests included the Marquess and Marchioness of Blandford.

Lady Alexandra Spencer-Churchill, host and member of the Blenheim Ball Committee, said: “I had the privilege of meeting some members of Starlight’s youth panel recently and heard first hand from them how play in healthcare is vital to babies, children and young people.

“This year is particularly special for Starlight as it marks the 40th anniversary and I share my heartfelt gratitude to all those who supported this event through sponsorship, auction prizes, tickets and donations.

The Long Library at Blenheim Palace – transformed for the ball (Image: Supplied)

“The impact of your generosity cannot be underestimated, and neither can the impact of the work the charity does in hospitals and hospices across the UK.

“Play has the power to transform a child’s treatment and long-term wellbeing, and the committee is very proud to support Starlight’s work in this way.”

The ball was supported by partner sponsors Titan Wealth and Dr. Barbara Sturm.

Guests enjoyed an evening of fine dining courtesy of chef Tom Booton, alongside musical entertainment from the London Essentials and an auction.

Rory Bremner attends the Blenheim Ball (Image: Dave Benett)

Auction prizes included a luxury island escape donated by Voaara Madagascar, aquamarine jewellery donated by The Jewel Gallery and a private culinary experience with Tom Booton.

A family whose daughter has spent much of her life in hospital due to juvenile idiopathic arthritis spoke at the event, sharing how Starlight’s donated toys and sensory equipment, and a skilled hospital play team, helped her cope with treatment.

Cathy Gilman, CEO of Starlight, said: “The night was a huge success, and we’re overwhelmed by the generosity of our guests.

Noelle Reno attends the Blenheim Ball (Image: Dave Benett)

“Their kind donations will give thousands of children receiving healthcare across the UK the opportunity to play, which we know has the power to reduce fear and prevent trauma.

“We give special thanks to our organising committee – Honorary Chair of Fundraising Alasdair Hadden-Paton, Lady Alexandra Spencer-Churchill, Oliver Hardcastle and Olivia McCall, and we are so grateful to everyone who made it such a fabulous evening.”

Founded 40 years ago by Emma Samms in memory of her brother Jamie, Starlight continues to support children across the UK by providing play resources as well as training and support for play professionals.

Yarnton Garden Centre is offering a Chelsea Flower Show-themed afternoon tea experience, featuring botanical treats, delicate sandwiches, and freshly baked scones.

Rebecca Gurnett, group events manager at Blue Diamond Group, said: “RHS Chelsea Flower Show is one of the cherished highlights of our year and we’re delighted to celebrate the event with our customers.

“Our limited-edition afternoon tea captures the magic of Chelsea and the flavours of spring. We can’t to share it with you.”

The sweet selection includes a mini fruit meringue nest, a carrot and vanilla mascarpone cupcake, a raspberry crème brûlée toadstool tart, and a chocolate marquise plant pot topped with chocolate ‘soil’.

Sandwiches include classic options such as tuna and cucumber, Coronation chicken, ham and mustard, egg mayonnaise, and cheese and pickle.

The afternoon tea is priced at £25.95 per person. It will be available from Monday, May 18, to Sunday, May 24. It is available to book online now at https://events.bluediamond.gg/branches.

The Chelsea Flower Show returns this year from May 19 to 23 at the Royal Hospital Chelsea in London.

Last year, the Blue Diamond Group won its first gold medal at the show, along with the prestigious Tree of Show accolade.

The A44 dual carriageway through Yarnton and Begbroke, near Kidlington in Oxfordshire, is shut for the duration of this weekend, Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 17.

A traffic regulation notice was issued by Oxfordshire County Council announcing the road would be shut to all traffic between 4am and 6pm each day, in both directions.

The road works are to ‘facilitate surface sealing works’, according to the order.

READ MORE: Bicester fire heroes remembered during memorial service

This is a preventative road dressing designed to prevent moisture ingress and freeze-thaw damage, one of the things that causes potholes on Oxfordshire’s roads, to preserve it.

The A44 closure is in place between Cassington Road and the roundabout with the A4095, Grove Road.

A suggested alternative route is via the A5096, the A4260 and A44 and vice versa to get around the road closure, though limited access will be maintained for emergency services and frontages in the closed road.