FARNHAM Lions will hold its largest ever fundraising event next summer to mark the centennial of Lions International plus its own 50th anniversary - and all are invited.

The local ’service club’ raises up to £100,000 every year for an array of good causes both in the Farnham area and further afield, and hopes its Summer Spectacular on July 8, 2017, at a private motor museum in Churt will add a staggering £25,000 to that total.

All proceeds from the event will be donated to four local charities - 40 Degreez, The Ridgeway School, Challengers and Frensham Pond Sailability - all of which help and support young people.

The Summer Spectacular will follow a similar format to the Lions’ highly successful Indian Spectacular in 2015 but will be “bigger and better” than anything the club has staged before.

Honouring Lions International’s foundations in Chicago with an American 1920s prohibition-era theme, the event will take place from 5pm until midnight, offering a full entertainment programme under two 300ft-plus big top circus marquees sponsored by the Farnham Herald and Wise & Co accountants.

Fancy dress is optional and a huge 2,000 square feet stage donated by Jigsaw Events UK will feature a world-class band, West End-calibre cabaret and a charity auction run by Bonhams, complimented by a “superb” dinner with a unique USA ‘low and slow’ barbecue twist.

Guests, of which it is hoped there will be around 700, will be able to dance to the live music before a firework finale will illuminate the sky behind the domed stage.

And if that is not enough, the location is also home to a major private collection of vintage and classic cars and automobilia that will be open for all to see and enjoy with the owners, while the Lions are also keeping a “few surprises” up their sleeves for the night.

Speaking at a packed launch event for the Summer Spectacular, Phil Williams of the Farnham Lions said: “In 1913 two forces came together, Melvin Jones and the Chicago business circle, the members of whom met on a regular basis primarily to enhance their own lives.

“There’s nothing wrong with that of course, but he asked the fairly simple question ‘what if these men who are successful because of their drive, intelligence and vision were to put their talents to improving the lives of others?’

“The response was fantastic. He then asked other clubs the same question and on June 7, 1917, 800 members got together to create the Lions. Today there are 1.4 million Lions and 46,000 clubs in 200 countries.

“In 1968 the Lions Club of Farnham was formed. There are today 45 members and we raise between £80,000 and £100,000 per year.”

The Farnham club’s largest fundraiser is Beerex, which has raised £800,000 alone since 1976. However, huge sums have also been raised through various events including the Lions’ annual golf day and Easter Eggsravaganza in aid of the Kent, Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance.

The Lions also launched Project Wenceslas in 2012 to redistribute winter fuel payments to families in desperate need, and over the past seven years has equipped 700 people with lifesaving first aid skills through its free Heartstart courses.

It also helps distribute Christmas food parcels for disadvantaged households in Farnham as well as supporting the Farnham Carnival, a Christmas pantomime for 400 children at the Maltings, tea parties for the elderly and many other initiatives.

“That is all in addition to all those groups and individuals that come to us for help for a whole bunch of reasons, from providing school uniforms, shoes and coats for a number of children in need to specialist splints for a two-and-a-half year old with cerebral palsy,” Phil added.

For more information about the Farnham Lions, its Summer Spectacular and how to book tickets (£70 each or £700 for a table of 10), visit the website www.farnhamlions.org.uk/summerspectacular.

In addition to The Herald, Wise & Co and Jigsaw Events, principal sponsors also include Riverprint, Farnham Estates and Andrew Lodge estate agents. However, the Lions are keen to attract further sponsors to increase the proceeds donatable to its chosen charities.