Manchester restaurants to host Tim Bacon Foundation fundraiser

Manchester's restaurants are teaming up once again later this year for a night of food, fun and fundraising in the memory of Living Ventures founder Tim Bacon.

On 8 September, Dream the Impossible: The Sequel aims to repeat the success of 2017's event, which raised £500,000 for the Christie Hospital, where Bacon was treated before his death in 2016.

More than 1,100 people dined at restaurants in the city centre before gathering at the Albert Hall for music and dancing, and this year's event is aiming for a full capacity of 1,300.

Australian entrepreneur Bacon, with his partner Jeremy Roberts, founded and built the Living Ventures empire of leisure brands, including the Living Room, the Botanist, the Alchemist, Gusto, Australasia and Grand Pacific.

Following Bacon's death at the age 52, Roberts set up the Tim Bacon Foundation to raise money for cancer charities. Since the first event, the foundation has continued its work, raising close to £1m.

The evening will repeat the formula of the first event, with diners buying tickets for dinner and drinks at Living Ventures' restaurants, joined this time by other Manchester eateries.

Venues taking part will include the Alchemist, Gusto, Grand Pacific, Australasia, San Carlo, Habas, the Bull and Bear, Hawksmoor, 20 Stories, Tattu and Duttons. All will be digitally connected via TV screens for a silent auction.

Roberts said: "We are proud of what we've achieved, but we are really excited to do it again bigger and even better so we can all honour Tim's memory and help those affected by cancer, which will affect one in every two people."

The team is seeking sponsorship from city businesses of the individual restaurant events at £15,000 each. Each package comes with 20 tickets.

Marie Toller of the Christie Charity said: "We are really excited to be involved in the amazing Dream the Impossible event this year and are really looking forward to working closely with the TBF team again."