Lincolnshire charity ball to mark 120 years of farm unions

The NFU is organising a charity ball on 7 December to celebrate 120 years of Lincolnshire farming unions.

The event, hosted by the Lincolnshire Agricultural Society at the Epic Centre, Lincolnshire Showground, in Lincoln, will honour the history of the Lincolnshire Farmers Union, founded in 1904, which later contributed to the establishment of the NFU.

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The evening will be filled with Lincolnshire’s finest local food and entertainment, featuring a champagne reception, music from the Baltic Donkeys, and a casino.

Guests will enjoy dishes made from local ingredients, including Lincoln Red beef, potatoes, vegetables, strawberries, and cheeses from award-winning producers.

The ball will raise funds for two critical organisations supporting the rural community – the Lincolnshire Rural Support Network (LRSN) and the Lincolnshire Rural Agricultural Chaplaincy.

NFU Lincolnshire county adviser Rhonda Thompson said the ball will be a celebration of the county’s rich agricultural heritage, with Lincolnshire producing 26% of England’s vegetables and leafy salads.

Support charities

She stressed the importance of supporting the two charities, especially given the challenges currently facing the farming industry.

“You only have to look at the ongoing effects of Storms Babet and Henk, the results of the NFU’s Farmer Confidence survey and the exceptional rainfall figures for September to realise how very important being part of a farming union is, 120 years later – there is always strength in numbers,” said Ms Thompson.

In addition to the festivities, sponsorship opportunities are available for businesses and individuals.

Sponsors will gain exposure through event promotions across the NFU’s network, with confirmed sponsors already including NFU Midlands, NFU Mutual, Dyson Farming, and more.

Early bird tickets are £85 per person, with tables of eight, 10, and 12 available for booking. For more information or to reserve tickets, visit the NFU Midlands page or email nfu_midlands@nfu.org.uk.