371st Festival Dinner

Almost every year since our first Festival Service on 1655, there has been a dinner in aid of the Trust. At the 200th Festival, a sum of over £1.2 million was raised in support of clergy households!

The dinner is now, primarily, a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the historic links between charity, City and Church.

Previously held at Merchant Taylors' Hall, 2024 saw an increase in demand and an influx of new guests wanting to attend this historic occasion, and a new home for the event was found at Plaisterers' Hall.

We were treated to a beautiful rendition of the sung grace by choristers from Rochester Cathedral Choir, followed by a delicious two-course meal of beef cheek, London-cured salmon or roasted aubergine, with a dessert of a cherry pavlova or a fruit platter.

The 371st Festival Dinner will be on Tuesday 12 May 2026. It will start with a drinks reception and then proceed to a two-course buffet with wine. Drinks will be served on arrival. The dress code is business attire or lounge suits.

The Festival Dinner is open to all and is attended by members of the Civic Party, Masters, Prime Wardens and representatives of Livery Companies, Bishops, our Governors and Stewards, clergy and many others.

The Dinner is an opportunity to learn more about the Trust, to meet the Trustees and members of the staff team. You can also learn about future plans and how you can help them happen.

Previously there has been an after-dinner speaker with a significant connection to the clergy. Recent speakers have included the Revd Richard Coles (2017), Timmy Mallett (2018, pictured), John Sergeant (2019) and Lord Lisvane and The Revd Lady Lisvane (2022).

We would like to express our grateful thanks to our primary sponsor for our 370th Festival Dinner, CCLA Investment Management. 

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