Russell Brand to make live video link appearance at Shrewsbury Mayor's ball

Russell Brand will be speaking at Councillor Jane Mackenzie's charity ball on March 10 via live video link.

He says the balls' guest speaker Chip Somers, saved his life.

The ball will be held in the Sovereign Suite at the Montgomery Waters Meadow, home of Shrewsbury Town Football Club, from 7pm.

Councillor Mackenzie is working with Shropshire Recovery Partnership to support people recovering from substance misuse in Shrewsbury and is setting up a charitable trust to continue this work after her Mayoral year has ended. The money raised from the charity ball will help her to establish this.

Tickets cost £50 and will include a drinks reception on arrival and a three- course dinner. There will also be a live music from the Chicago Swing Catz jazz band, a magician and a disco until late.

Russell Brand will be talking about his experiences and battles with addictions.

He has become known as a public activist and campaigner, and has spoken on a wide range of political and cultural issues, including wealth, inequality, sddiction, cspitalism, climate change and media bias.

Over the course of his career, he has been the subject of frequent media coverage and controversy for issues such as his promiscuity and drug use, his outrageous behaviour at various award ceremonies, his dismissal from MTV and resignation from the BBC and his two-year marriage with singer Katy Perry.

The evening will be one of glitz and glamour with a theme of Purple Tie and Tiara. Fashion students from Shrewsbury College will be decorating the room and selling handmade purple bow ties on the night. Chains of Office may be worn.

Councillor Mackenzie has already launched an online auction, open to everyone, where lots include a bound copy of 24 issues of The Walking Dead with an original drawing by Charlie Adlard; two tickets to Centre Court Wimbledon; a glamping weekend donated by Salop Leisure; a luxury overnight Land Rover and Jaguar experience; a chance to have lunch with Paul Hurst and the players at STFC and a Manchester United shirt signed by David Beckham. Details of all the auction items can be found at: https://www.jumblebee.co.uk/auction/detail/auction_id/2256

Jeremy Lamond, auctioneer director at Halls, will be the Master of Ceremonies and will deliver the live auction on the night.

Councillor Mackenzie said: “This is real community effort, and I'm very grateful for the way that local people have supported me to make this such a success. The money we raise will help local people recovering from addiction and enable us to give support to their families too.

“Alcohol is the biggest killer of people aged 25-45 years and affects people of all ages and social classes. Shropshire Recovery Partnership helps individuals turn their lives around and build a better future for themselves and their families.”

Menu options and a limited number of tickets are still available from the Mayor’s Secretary, Carol Pullen, via email: carol.pullen@shrewsburytowncouncil.gov.ukor by calling 01743 257655. Cheques should be made payable to the Mayor’s Charity Fund.