TV FUNNYMAN Bobby Davro is set to get the guests chuckling at Hardwick Hall Hotel this autumn (September 30) at the 13th annual North East Oyster Festival.
The comedy icon will join 80s pop heartthrob Paul Young for a day of entertainment and fine food in what has become one of the leading events on the North East’s social calendar.
The event is organised every year by Ramside Estates and proceeds will be donated to Butterwick Hospice Care which operates hospices in Stockton and Bishop Auckland to care for people of all ages with progressive life-limiting illnesses.
Bobby Davro made his TV debut in 1981 and became one of the country’s most-loved entertainers, working on a number of television shows throughout the 80s and 90s.
In 2007 he joined the cast of Eastenders as the lovable cockney rogue Vinnie Monks but left a year later. In recent years he has also appeared in ITV’s Dancing on Ice and Channel 4’s Celebrity Come Dine With Me.
He also appeared in Channel 5’s Celebrity Big Brother last summer, making it all the way to the final and eventually finishing fourth.
Bobby Davro and Paul Young will also be joined at the event by soul singer Diane Shaw, who has performed alongside stars like Martha Reeves, Sister Sledge, Alexander O’Neal and many more.
Irish folk musicians JJ Galway Band will also add to the entertainment, while North East comedian Steve Walls will be returning as compere.
Tickets are being snapped-up fast for the event, which will include a Champagne reception, a three-course fruit de mer menu, oyster stalls and complimentary beer, lager and wine.
John Adamson, Director of Ramside Estates said: “So far we have had an amazing response, and tickets are selling really quickly. Being able to attract guests like Bobby Davro and Paul Young is a real coup for us and I think this could be our biggest event to date.
“Not only do guests get to enjoy an amazing day out with fine food, drink and entertainment, they get to help Butterwick Hospice Care.
“The aim of the event is to have a great day but to ultimately raise as much money as we possibly can for an incredibly good cause and I am confident we can have our best year yet.”
Tickets for the 13th annual North East Oyster Festival cost £140 per person and are available by calling 01740 620 253 or emailing events@hardwickhallhotel.co.uk. More information is available atwww.theoysterfestival.co.uk