Guests attended a reception and dinner at one of a selection of Ambassadors’ residences before being taken to the Hyatt Regency London The Churchill Hotel for entertainment, dancing and the chance to bid for exclusive and unattainable items at an auction, which raised money for the international life-saving work of the British Red Cross.

The theme this year was ‘A Celebration of Life’ and the gala ball brought together influential people from across the world. Guests included Anne Robinson, Sir Trevor Nunn and European Royals.

FUSE are duo Linzi Stoppard (daughter-in-law of Sir Tom Stoppard) and Ben Lee, the most innovative and in demand string act for a generation. FUSE began 2009 as the act opening for the New Year’s Day London Parade immediately after the Queen’s New Year message. Their performance was broadcast to more than 300 million viewers on 750 international TV stations around the world. Their breakthrough album will be released later this year.

FUSE’s unique and authentic sound, the components of which and their combination are a close guarded secret, couldn’t be achieved using acoustic violins – after months of experimenting with soundscapes and recording techniques Linzi and Ben are adding the final touches to their breathtaking album (co-produced by FUSE). Gone are the days of churning out classical clichés, FUSE’s album will be a rock anthems “best of” fit for Guitar Hero, except this time it’s VIOLIN HERO!

This year’s auction prizes include a glamorous stay in Paris, including tickets to the Christian Lacroix Haute Couture show at Paris fashion week in July and a weekend for four touring the glories of the Veneto in Italy with television presenter and architect expert Francesco da Mosto.

All money raised from the Gala Ball will fund the vital work of the British Red Cross in the UK and around the world, which recently has included aid work in Darfur, relief efforts for the thousands of people affected by cholera and food shortages in Zimbabwe and fund-raising for those affected by the Italian earthquake and Australian bushfire

More information and contact details for FUSE click HERE