THE mayor of Lowestoft this week unveiled more details of what he is billing as a 'fantastic night of entertainment' – and called on Waveney's business community to help make it a big success.

The 2012 Mayor's Ball takes place at Pontins in Pakefield on Friday, March 30, with the proceeds going to local charities.

The idea to revive the annual event is the brainchild of the town's current mayor Tod Sullivan, who saw it as an ideal opportunity to showcase 'local talent and promote young people in Lowestoft'.

And, with a few tickets still available, he is urging local businesses to join him for the evening of music, dance and variety.

Mr Sullivan told The Journal: 'All of this comes at a time when I know how difficult life is for many companies, as I'm a business owner myself. With this in mind I thought long and hard about hosting a Mayor's Ball, which is primarily aimed at local businesses. But ultimately I thought it would be a memorable and enjoyable evening.'

He said the event was designed to be affordable and offer 'good value for money entertainment' while supporting talented young people and raising money for local charities and organisations.

Among the special guests is Will King, founder of King of Shaves, who was brought up and educated in the town.

'He's proud to be returning to Lowestoft to celebrate the event,' Mr Sullivan said. 'We will be staffing the event with students from Lowestoft College's catering and hospitality course. They will be waiting alongside Pontins' staff and will be working in the kitchens too.

'By employing them in this way, we will be giving about 30 students valuable work experience. This was always the plan.'

He added: 'Pontins have given us outstanding support. They have priced food at a very reasonable rate, allowing more money to go to our charities, and they have given us the room and their staff on the night free of charge.'

The entertainment on the night will be provided by singer Lily Ayers, singing and dancing act Tiger Lilys, singer Tom Tonks, street dance act Urban Fusion, singer Bethany Lewis, singer Ann Leech, and the singing and dancing troupe from the Venue of Performing Arts. The 45's will provide the main act from 10.30pm to 11pm. Chantelle Morton, a modern singer, is performing too.

Mr Sullivan also pointed out that all of the acts performing were from the Lowestoft area.

'The majority are young local acts performing free of charge for the chance to gain the experience and entertain local people,' he said. 'We know that the evening will be a fantastic night of entertainment.

'We are supporting local charities in Lowestoft too – every penny we raise will support for local projects.'

The ball takes place at Pontins in Pakefield on Friday, March 30 from 7pm. Tables of six or eight are available, with tickets at �35 per person. Single tickets are priced at �40. There will also be a charity raffle. It also kicks off the mayor's two-week Celebration of the Arts festival which starts on April 1.

For tickets and information, ring Carol George on 01502 523608 or e-mail carol.george@waveney.gov.uk