ABOUT
THE
RICHMOND
MAY BALL
The Richmond May Ball is an event woven into the very fabric of Richmond life. This black-tie affair marks the elegant start of the May Fair weekend, set against the picturesque backdrop of the historic Richmond Green. Guests are welcomed with a champagne reception, followed by an exquisite evening of fine dining, premium wines, a lively cocktail bar, and an exciting auction. Entertainment includes dancing to a live band and a variety of offerings, ensuring a memorable night for all. Each year, the event draws over 450 attendees.
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Over the years, the Richmond May Ball has raised more than a million pounds for around 20 local charities.
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The 2026 Richmond May Ball will be held on Friday, 8th May and will support The Purple Elephant Project and The Poppy Factory.
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FOUNDERS
'The pandemic gave us a greater sense of our local community and the importance of Richmond's Open Spaces. This is an opportunity to deliver a spectacular evening on Richmond Green for local residents and their guests whilst raising much needed funds for two very deserving local charities'
BOB & VIVIEN HARRIS
CHARITIES 2026
The Purple Elephant Project is a children’s mental health charity, dedicated to providing a compassionate, non-judgemental space, for children aged 4-16, and their families to navigate emotional challenges. They offer tailored therapeutic support at their welcoming hub in Twickenham and provide outreach services in over 35 local borough schools. Using creative therapies such as Play and Art Therapy they help children explore, express and process difficult life experiences, emotion and trauma in a natural and safe way, with or without the need for words.
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At the heart of their work is the belief that every child’s voice deserves to be heard. They address mental health issues early in childhood and provide expert led, one-to-one support, so that children receive the continuity and consistency they need to build the trust, resilience and coping skills to transform their lives and reach their full potential.
The Purple Elephant Project was founded in 2019 by CEO Jenny Haylock. Her personal experience as a mother of a child with additional needs and her work within child mental health as a play therapist, highlighted gaps in mental health support that led her to create a charity that ensures children and their families have access to the care and support they deserve.
Centred in Richmond since 1926, The Poppy Factory was founded to create opportunities for wounded and injured veterans. The first of these were employed to make Remembrance wreaths and poppies, establishing a unique community and embedding a proud tradition.
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Today, The Poppy Factory is a national charity helping veterans and families on the path to civilian employment. Each year it supports around 1,200 members of the Armed Forces community to enjoy healthier lives and become more resilient, more independent and better connected.
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in 2026, The Poppy Factory marks its centenary, celebrating 100 years of service and remembrance in Richmond.
Funds raised through The Poppy Factory’s partnership with the Richmond May Ball will help veterans and families across the UK to change their lives through specialist,
one-to-one employment support.
Amanda Shepard, Chief Executive of The Poppy Factory, said: “I am absolutely delighted that the Richmond May Ball committee has chosen to partner with The Poppy Factory for 2026. It is a great privilege to have been chosen for this high-profile event in our Richmond centenary year and I’m certain it will be celebration to remember, raising vital funds to help many more veterans and families find a new way forward into employment.”
A NIGHT TO REMEMBER
A spectacular night of elegance and celebration, attended by more than 450 guests.
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From champagne on arrival to exquisite food and fine wines, the night is packed with unforgettable moments. Enjoy the thrill of live auctions and a prize draw, then dance the night away to a live band or engage in a variety of entertainment throughout the evening.
