SOME of Waveney's most talented performers will be taking the stage for a special evening of entertainment.

The Journal revealed last month how the annual Mayor's Ball is to be resurrected in March next year, as part of a plan to showcase the arts in the Lowestoft area and raise thousands of pounds for good causes.

This week further details were revealed of what is being billed as a 'fantastic event'.

'I don't want to give too much away but whether you like street dance, solo singers, groups or just the Mayor mucking in then you shouldn't miss it,' said Lowestoft mayor Tod Sullivan, who is organising the event.

The first four acts to be signed up for the ball at Pontin's in Pakefield are The 45's, The Tigerlillies, Lily Ayers and Urban Fusion. 'These are all strong local acts, and also The Venue of Performing Arts based at School Road in Oulton Broad has agreed to put on some dance performances,' Mr Sullivan said.

Meanwhile, King of Shaves founder Will King, who hails from Lowestoft, has accepted an invitation to attend and will be a guest of honour and Coes Menswear has agreed to support the ball by donating to its charitable fund.

Mr Sullivan said tickets for the ball would be �35, with the proceeds going to help local charities.

'Tables are in eights, but you can buy individual tickets, with the help of Pontins, and hopefully we can attract up to 300 people,' he said. 'I am hopeful that we will raise at least a further �5000 for our charitable fund, which will be used to benefit people all over the town. We also want to acknowledge great local people on the night, through working with The Journal, to find local heroes who will receive a Mayoral Award.'

Last month, The Journal reported how Mr Sullivan was also teaming up the Marina Theatre and producers of this year's pantomime Jack and The Beanstalk to give disadvantaged families a chance to enjoy the show.

Speaking as the Marina enters a new era under the management of a new trust, he said 'One of my key aims has been to promote the arts. In a town like Lowestoft we need young people to aspire and to be inspired and the new Marina Trust can support that aim. By placing a focus on enjoying the theatre I hope that young people from all backgrounds will see that the arts offer a unique opportunity for growth and development.'

With this in mind the Mayor's charity, backed by the Lowestoft Charter Trustees, is to distribute a number seats for the pantomime to families who would not normally be able to afford to go to the show.

'We will make these tickets accessible to as many people as possible, through the right people, the teachers, the social workers, health professionals, those able to directly reach those who will benefit most,' Mr Sullivan said.

And he announced that the Seagull Theatre in Pakefield had now also signed up to the panto giveaway,

'We can announce that a further 100 panto tickets are to be given away free – this means we have over 200 to distribute,' Mr Sullivan said. 'I will also be hosting a special Mayor's evening at The Seagull for the performance of Dick Whittington on December 16. Invited guests will join the public and, for a �4 donation to the charitable fund, people can join me for a drinks reception beforehand with a chance to meet cast members afterwards.'

For Mayor's Ball tickets or information telephone Carol George on 01502 523608 or e-mail carol.george@waveney.gov.uk