Recently featured in the Channel 4 series 'Britain's Most Luxurious Hotels', Chewton Glen once again lived up to its star-studded reputation by hosting a remarkable musical triumph featuring the legendary Sir Elton John CH CBE on Saturday 26th June, with all proceeds benefitting The Elton John AIDS Foundation.

The annual 'Dine & Disco' event, masterminded by Virgin Radio DJ and television presenter, Chris Evans, raised over £1.9 million for the charity. Guests at this private party had previously taken part in an on-air auction to win a place at the sensational event, which was held in the grounds of the hotel. Following stringent COVID-19 safely precautions, guests sat down to an al-fresco banquet in the Walled Kitchen Garden - prepared by a brigade of celebrity chefs. 

Cooking up a storm were José Pizarro, who provided a 'Taste of Spain' with his amazing Tapas selection, Atul Kochhar was in charge of street food, which included an array of samosas, Tom Kerridge wowed diners with his 'Proper Donner Kebab', and Chewton Glen's own Executive Head Chef, Luke Matthews, created a trio of amazing pizzas using the hotel's wood fired pizza oven. The culinary feast was brought to a close by James Martin with his orchard-inspired 'The Kitchen Apple', served with a delicious apple coulis.

Furthermore, Olly Smith - the ever enthusiastic British TV presenter and award-winning wine expert, foodie and columnist - was the 'Master of Ceremonies' for this part of the evening, with guests having also joined Olly in the hotel earlier in the day for a 'Cake and Chat' get-together, alongside fellow TV presenter, Angelica Bell, and former Bake Off winner, Candice Brown.

After the banquet, guests who were staying overnight at the property, made their way to the hotel's orchard where the stage was set for performances from stars including the amazing Rick Astley, plus a surprise musical guest appearance by former Spice Girl, Melanie C. Other well-known faces on stage included: TV vet Noel Fitzpatrick; British comedian Alexander Horne, creator of the BAFTA award-winning Taskmaster; Radio DJ James Carpenter and Chris Evans' stellar team from Virgin Radio, including Vassos Alexander and Rachel Horne.

Later in the evening, it was the comedic David Walliams who provided an introduction to the stage for Sir Elton John who complete with his 9 ft. long piano, known as Aretha, which is one of the five pianos from Elton's 2013 tour and part of his current farewell tour, delighted the audience with his solo performance, which featured classics including 'Bennie and the Jets', 'I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues' and the much-loved 'Your Song', all whilst bedazzled by the light from the dazzling chandelier overhead.

Commenting on the evening, Andrew Stembridge, Executive Director of Iconic Luxury Hotels and Managing Director of Chewton Glen said:  “It was a truly remarkable evening from start to finish. As always, we were thrilled to work with Chris Evans, as well as his right-hand man, Hiten Vora, to arrange the spectacular entertainment. This was the fourth year we have hosted the 'Dine & Disco' at the hotel, which has raised many millions of pounds for charity since its inception, including BBC Children in Need and now The Elton John AIDS Foundation. The need to support each other, and our charity partners, has never been stronger as we progress through this pandemic, which has greatly affected so many lives across the globe. It was an honour and a privilege to host Sir Elton John and support his tireless work in combatting AIDS worldwide”.

For further press information, please contact: 

Angela Day

Head of Public Relations

Iconic Luxury Hotels

Email: angela@iconicluxuryhotels.com                                                

The Elton John AIDS Foundation was established in 1992 and is one of the leading independent AIDS organisations in the world. The Foundation's mission is simple: to be a powerful force in ending the AIDS epidemic. We are committed to no more discrimination. No more HIV infections. No more AIDS deaths. No matter who or where you are. We believe AIDS can be beaten. But only if everyone at risk of HIV, no matter who they are or where they are has access to the non-discriminatory HIV information and compassionate care that allow them to stay healthy and safe and live with dignity. The Foundation harnesses local expertise across four continents to challenge discrimination, prevent infections and provide treatment for the most vulnerable groups, as well as mobilising governments to end AIDS. It is estimated that 5 million lives have been saved, $450 million raised worldwide and over 3,000 projects supported.

Chewton Glen is a five-red star privately-owned luxury country house hotel, located on the edge of the ancient New Forest National Park in Hampshire and just a few minutes' walk from the sea. Featuring an award-winning restaurant, world-class spa and leisure activities, luxurious accommodation and modern meeting facilities, the hotel has 72 individually designed bedrooms and suites including 14 tree-house suites, a nine-hole par three golf course, croquet lawn, indoor and outdoor tennis courts and a spa which has been voted the best in Europe and a purpose-built cookery school, bakery and informal restaurant opened in association with James Martin.

Iconic Luxury Hotels is an expanding collection with an international focus. The collection is comprised of an eclectic array of properties each of which celebrates distinct architecture, cultural heritage and natural surroundings. Each property has its own character, traditions and stories but they share a common commitment to delivering outstanding experiences. The current portfolio includes some of the world's most famous hotels from Cliveden House, one of England's finest country estates, Chewton Glen an English estate on the South Coast, The Lygon Arms a 14th Century Coaching Inn in the Cotswolds, 11 Cadogan Gardens in Chelsea, one of London's most prestigious residential areas and The Mayfair Townhouse, London which opened in December 2020. Iconic Luxury Hotels was founded in December 2016, and is part of L+R Hotels (landrhotels.com) - a highly motivated family owned global hotel investment and management company.