CELEBRITIES ENJOY A SPECTACULAR EVENING AT BATTERSEA DOGS & CATS HOME’S ANNUAL COLLARS & COATS GALA

Media star, Peter Andre, entertained guests with his warm charm and humour as host for the evening. The event’s top-billing performances included Lulu who wowed revellers with some of her most memorable hits over the years. The hypnotic Escala also indulged guests with a breath-taking performance, as the event’s surpise act of the night. 

Peter Andre said, “I’m so proud to have hosted Battersea’s Collars & Coats Gala Ball. Battersea is an amazing charity which does incredible work to look after the animals which come into its care, helping them have happy futures in loving new homes. Walking up the red carpet past the Battersea dogs was an unforgettable experience and I hope this evening will show why this special charity needs our continued support.”

Guests attending the Collars & Coats Gala Ball included British actresses Prunella Scales, Rosamund Hanson, Preeya Khalidas and Laila Rouass; television personalities Louie Spence, Donna Air, Tasmin Lucia Khan and Kate Wals; Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel-Horwood and dancer Vincent Simone; Made in Chelsea personalities Cheska Hull; bespoke fashion designer Daniel Hanson; fashionista Brix Smith Start and Hilary Alexander; celebrity hairdresser Nicky Clarke; and celebrity chef couple Giancarlo and Katie Caldesi. 

Speaking at the Event, CEO of Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, Claire Horton, said, “Battersea is now in its 150^th year of caring for lost, unwanted and abandoned animals and our Collars & Coats Gala Ball really shows why our charity has earnt a place in the heart of the nation. Watching our fantastic Battersea dogs greet the likes of Peter Andre, Craig Revel Horwood and Esther Rantzen on the red carpet was a truly unmissable sight. It’s thanks to the kindness and generosity of our supporters that we are able to give these dogs, and thousands of others a much needed second chance in life.” 

The Collars & Coats Gala Ball is Battersea Dogs & Cats Home’s most prestigious fundraising event of the year.  The much loved animal welfare charity depends on the generosity of its supporters to  continue its vital work caring for homeless dogs and cats.

During the event, the charity raised funds through an exclusive money-can’t-buy auction with an array of luxury, bespoke gifts donated by some of the Home’s supporters. These included a once in a lifetime opportunity  to experience  VIP access to Sir Paul McCartney’s show at the O2 Arena. Vivienne Westwood, Prada, Alexander McQueen, Mui Mui, Oliver Goldsmith, Cath Kidston, Grace Woodward, Hunter and Radley and Co were just some of the designers and labels that supported the glamorous event by donating exclusive gifts for the auction.  

In speaking about their support for Battersea Dogs and Cats Home at the Collars and Coats Gala Ball, the following celebrities said:

Craig Revel-Horwood: I think the event is spectacular almost as spectacular as Battersea itself. I thought the dogs were fantastic and so well looked after. I want them all to find homes. 

Donna Air: It’s such a fun event and I'm really excited to be here. I've been familiar with Battersea for years and I am so excited to learn more about their work. The dogs on the red carpet were amazing and so beautiful. 

Brix Smith-Start: Throughout my life animals have been my best and loyal friends. They have looked after me mentally and physically with compassion and unconditional love. I would do absolutely anything to help animals and I am so grateful to Battersea for what they do to rehabilitate and turn around animals that have been abused or neglected. They put animals with families and families with animals and then the circle of healing is absolutely complete. Battersea makes the world a better place. I'd rather be here supporting Battersea's Collars & Coats Gala Ball than anywhere else it makes my heart sing with joy. 

Louie Spence: I absolutely love dogs and I love cats too. Battersea do great work and I admire how long Battersea has been caring for dogs and cats. I really want a dog and when I'm ready which won't be long I'm definitely going to Battersea.  

For further information on Battersea Dogs & Cats Home and to pledge donations, please visit www.battersea.org.uk or call 020 7627 9309.