By Kirklees Armed Forces TV –

Formal military-themed event at John Smith’s Stadium to mark Armed Forces Day and strengthen community support for ex-service personnel

Tommy’s Lounge Huddersfield has announced its first-ever Corporate Summer Ball, set to take place on Saturday 28 June 2025 at the John Smith’s Stadium – coinciding with Armed Forces Day.

The black-tie event promises to be a night of celebration, commemoration, and connection, bringing together businesses that have signed the Armed Forces Covenant in Kirklees.

Modelled after traditional Sergeants’ and Officers’ Mess functions, the evening offers local firms a unique opportunity to engage with veterans and demonstrate their support for the military community.

A Military-Inspired Evening of Networking and Support

The Summer Ball will immerse guests in military traditions while providing a platform for networking, fundraising, and storytelling.

Tickets are priced at £60 per person, with options for tables of eight.

Businesses are also encouraged to sponsor a veteran and their partner for £120, creating a table of six guests and two honoured veteran attendees.

This initiative offers a powerful way to hear firsthand from those who have served, and to build relationships rooted in respect and shared values.

Silent Auction and Fundraising Activities

In addition to a formal dinner, the event will feature a silent auction showcasing high-value military, sporting, and artistic items, ideal for display in corporate settings.

Other fundraising activities on the night include a raffle and a ‘money tree’.

Proceeds will go toward supporting the services Tommy’s Lounge provides for the local armed forces community.

Dress Code and Military Traditions

Guests are encouraged to don black tie and ball gowns or summer cocktail dresses.

Veterans may wear miniature medals, or traditional regimental blazers and ties.

The event will also feature customary military etiquette, including toasts, a reading of humorous name card messages by the RSM (Regimental Sergeant Major), and a ceremonial entrance for the top table.

Practical Details and RSVP

The event will begin at 5.30 pm with a drinks reception in the Terriers Together Suite, followed by dinner at 6.15 pm.

Guests are asked to be punctual and respectful of military traditions throughout the evening.

Parking will be available free of charge in front of the stadium, though overnight parking is discouraged.

As the stadium is a cashless venue, all bar transactions will be card-only, though cash is still welcome for raffle activities.

Photography is encouraged, with attendees invited to share images online using the hashtag #Tommyssummerball and to tag Tommy’s Lounge on social media, while ensuring posts reflect the dignity of the event and the cause.

A Community Effort

Some committee members have personally contributed to event costs to ensure affordability, and organisers kindly ask that table decorations and displayed items remain in place out of respect.

Tommy’s Lounge’s founders—Mick Riley MBE, Jennie Riley, and Sue Longbottom—expressed their excitement and gratitude: “This is our first Corporate Summer Ball Fundraiser, and we are incredibly grateful for your support.

“We look forward to welcoming you for what promises to be an unforgettable night honouring our Armed Forces community.”

Booking Information

To reserve your place, email: tommyshuddersfield@gmail.com

Please indicate the number of seats required and whether you are booking a standard table of 8 or a sponsored veteran table of 6.

All bookings and payments must be completed by 14 June 2025.

Payment Details:
Account Name: Tommy’s Lounge Ltd
Sort Code: 04-29-09
Account Number: 71268073
Reference: SumBall (Your Name)

Payments can also be made in cash at Tommy’s Lounge, 17 Station Street, Huddersfield, HD1 1LS.