Ben KendallMore than 800 people enjoyed one of the highlights of the county's social calendar last night as they attended the Royal Norfolk Show Ball.Hosted by Norfolk charity Break, which helps vulnerable children, adults and families, the event provides a grand celebration prior to the Norfolk Show which begins on Wednesday.Ben Kendall

More than 800 people enjoyed one of the highlights of the county's social calendar last night as they attended the Royal Norfolk Show Ball.

Hosted by Norfolk charity Break, which helps vulnerable children, adults and families, the event provides a grand celebration prior to the Norfolk Show which begins on Wednesday.

Dressed to the nines in black ties and ball gowns, guests were treated to a locally sourced menu along with welcome music performed by Gresham's School String Trio and entertainment from the Lee Vasey Band.

It was hoped the ball at the Royal Norfolk Showground would raise close to �30,000 for Break and fundraising highlights included a charity auction and raffle.

Liz Richards, from Break, said: 'We consider it a great honour to be asked to host such a prestigious event. It will provide vital funds and also an opportunity to highlight our work.

'We are enormously grateful for the fantastic support and sponsorship we have received from so many organisations in bringing this together.

'If we could raise in the region of �30,000 it would make an enormous difference by supporting and developing the work we already do. In this current climate raising funds is difficult for anybody so this will be a huge boost.'

Auction lots included an exclusive weekend at Surlingham Manor, a match day experience at Norwich City, a Broads day trip and a private dinner party and wine tasting by chef Jeremy Bolam and master of wine Mark Lynton.

The Royal Norfolk Show is the largest two-day agricultural show in the country.

Attractions at this year's event range from motorcycle and parachute displays to art exhibitions, a countryside trail, the flower and garden show, demonstrations of rural trades and the chance to buy local crafts.

For a 56-page show guide buy Tuesday's Eastern Daily Press.

The culmination of Our Big Month is the eagerly anticipated Royal Norfolk Show on June 30 and July 1 at the Norfolk Show-ground.

The largest two-day agricultural fair in the country, it's the day out that has something for everyone.

A family ticket (two adults and three children) costs �48, and individual tickets cost �18 for adults, �6.50 for children, �16 for age concessions and disabled and �9 for carers.

You can buy your tickets in advance at these EDP offices:

Norwich

Cromer

Dereham

Diss

Great Yarmouth

Fakenham

Lowestoft

Beccles

Or telephone 01603 772175.