The Ladies Lunch event brings hundreds of women together in the run up to International Women’s Day
Last year’s sold-out Ladies Lunch raised thousands of pounds for charity(Image: Sailors’ Children’s Society and the HEY Smile Foundation)
A well known jewellers is set to bring extra sparkle to a major Hull fundraising event next month. The annual Ladies Lunch event is one of the biggest social events in the region celebrating women, while also helping to raise thousands of pounds for charity.
Taking place on Friday March 6 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hull, the joint fundraising event celebrates female empowerment while raising vital funds to support families, children and communities through the Sailors’ Children’s Society and the HEY Smile Foundation. Now the two charities have announced that Hugh Rice Jewellers will return as main sponsor of Ladies Lunch Hull 2026, bringing back its show-stopping jewellery giveaway, which helped take the event to record fundraising levels last year.
Last year, one lucky guest won a diamond in an exclusive raffle. And this year Hugh Rice will add sparkle to the afternoon in a jewellery giveaway it pledges to be even more dazzling and sparkling, with guests being given the chance to take home the glitzy prize through a new draw, while helping to boost the coffers of the causes at the heart of the event.
Danielle Rice, HR director at Hugh Rice Jewellers said: “The Ladies Lunch event has quickly established itself as one of the city’s most anticipated business and fundraising events, welcoming over 600 guests from across the region. Last year’s Diamond Giveaway helped drive a significant increase in fundraising, ensuring even more funds could go directly into frontline support, welfare projects and long-term assistance for those in need. We are delighted to support the Ladies Lunch this year and look forward to the continued success of both charities in 2026.”
Tessa Wray, head of partnerships at HEY Smile Foundation, said: “Ladies Lunch is all about shining a light on women, their stories, their strength, and their impact. Having Hugh Rice involved brings an extra sense of celebration, enhancing the experience for our guests, while also helping to maximise the funds raised for our work supporting communities across Hull and East Yorkshire.
“We’re incredibly grateful to Danielle Rice, not only for the sponsorship, but for personally championing such an important event for the region. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back for an unforgettable Ladies Lunch 2026.”
Natasha Barley, CEO of Sailors’ Children’s Society, added: “We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Hugh Rice back as Main Sponsor of Ladies Lunch. The Diamond Giveaway last year played a huge role in helping us reach new fundraising levels, and those funds directly support families and children facing emotional and financial crises. We’re incredibly grateful to Danielle and the whole Hugh Rice team for bringing the sparkle once again and for helping more families and communities get the support they need, when they need it most.”
Last month the organisers revealed that beauty entrepreneur and wellbeing campaigner Liz Earle is to be the main speaker at the Ladies Lunch. Best known for her beauty range, Liz is renowned for her lifelong passion for natural health, beauty and wellbeing, alongside her considerable charity work and women’s health campaigning.
She is also the bestselling author of more than 35 books, a broadcaster, an entrepreneur, and the host of the twice-weekly Liz Earle Wellbeing Show podcast. Tables for Ladies Lunch Hull 2026 have now sold out, but people can be added to the wait list by contacting the charities.