The Ben automotive benevolent charity’s Ben Ball will return for 2021, bringing relief to fund-raisers who faced a £1 million shortfall after last year’s COVID-enforced cancellation.

This year’s showcase event is scheduled to take place at The Roundhouse, Camden, on December 8 and Ben’s director of partnerships, engagement and income, Matt Wigginton, said that he was “beyond thrilled” by the plans for its return.

Car retailers were among the automotive sector businesses that rallied behind Ben after last year’s cancellation of the Ben charity’s main annual fund-raising event.

It was the first Ben Ball cancellation since the Second World War and left a £1m fund-raising gap at a time that saw the charity’s support services stretched to breaking point by fallout from the pandemic.  

Celebrating the planned return of the Ben Ball later this year, Wigginton - the subject of a recent '5 minutes with...' interview in AM - said: “We are beyond thrilled that Ben Ball is back for 2021.

“We’ve missed our automotive family this past year and can’t wait to reconnect in style, back at the Roundhouse.

“We’re also delighted to announce that one of our biggest supporters, Auto Trader, will be headline sponsor for the event – we can’t thank them enough for their ongoing support.”

To book places at the Ben Ball 2021, click here.

Auto Trader chief executive, Nathan Coe, said: “Since the beginning of the pandemic we’ve been committed to supporting the industry in every way we are able.

“As the industry and wider economy begin to recover, the impact of COVID will be felt in people’s lives at work and at home for a long time to come.

“We’re honoured to be able to continue our support for Ben and all of the brilliant work it does day in day out, providing help to those who need it most.”

Wigginton added: “As ever, Ben Ball will be a spectacular evening full of Christmas cheer, providing the perfect opportunity to celebrate, catch up with colleagues and do some networking too.

“With breath-taking entertainment, incredible food and the opportunity to party, it’s definitely not to be missed. On the night, we’ll also be revealing more about what we’ve achieved together in the past year.

“So, what are you waiting for? We want you to be part of something really amazing this Christmas and, at the same time, help us ensure that no-one in automotive faces life’s toughest challenges alone.

“After the year we’ve all had, we need something to look forward to and Ben Ball 2021 promises to be an unforgettable evening of celebration and festive fun. We’re counting down the days.

“We really hope you’ll be joining us. It was a sell-out event in 2019 so don’t miss out, book now.”