Automotive charity, Ben, has announced its annual flagship black tie event – Ben Ball – will be held on December 7 and supported by Auto Trader.

Following the success of the 2021 event in raising £96,500 for the charity, Ben Ball 2022 will move across London to its new home at Old Billingsgate Market.

The 2021 Ben Ball took place at Camden's Roundhouse after Covid restrictions were lifted – more than 600 automotive industry figures attended.

Matt Wigginton, director of partnerships, engagement and income at Ben, said: “Together, once again, we did something extraordinary at the 2021 Ben Ball.

“The staggering amount of funds raised helps Ben continue to provide life-saving support to those in our automotive family who most need it, and it can’t be overstated how much those donations will help people who turn to us when they are struggling or in crisis.

“Over the last 2 years, we’ve seen support requests double, and the cases that we are seeing are more complex and urgent than we’ve experienced before.

“Ben Ball is a critical fundraising event for us – not only does it bring in vital donations, but it also gives us the chance to thank those who have helped us achieve so much during the year, and to show how we use their donations to change people’s lives.”

Combined with other cancelled fundraising activities in 2020, the loss of the Ben Ball resulted in a £1 million shortfall last year.

Wiggington added: "Plans for the Ben Ball 2022 are well underway and the event looks set to be extraordinary.

"We would like to invite everyone in the industry to book tickets and join us for our celebrations but also to extend an invite to anyone who may wish to sponsor the event to get in touch.

“We can’t wait to welcome you to our new venue – Old Billingsgate Market – this December for the automotive industry event of the year."

Ben announced it was launching a new online self-referral route to access its free life coaching service.

Book your tickets or find out more about becoming a Ben Ball sponsor.