Love is never out of fashion!

Adrian Dunbar with model Lucy Evangelista

A host of famous faces got a lesson in fashion at the IEF’s annual fundraising gala on Thursday 11th February 2010. Amongst the guests at "Fashion the Future” in the newly refurbished Belfast City Hall was internationally acclaimed chef Richard Corrigan.
 
Legendary comedian, and long time supporter and donor to the IEF, Frank Carson ensured the night was ´a cracker’ as he also donned his best attire for the glamorous event. Experienced broadcasters Jim Fitzpatrick and Sarah Travers added their professional touch to the evening by hosting the event.
 
The evening was also thoroughly enjoyed by former Miss Nothern Ireland Lucy Evangelista and acclaimed actor Adrian Dunbar, who performed in the films My Left Foot, The Crying Game, and more recently Channel 4’s drama ‘Mo’.
 
Central to the programme was a stunning fashion show co-ordinated by Belfast fashion guru Cathy Martin, featuring the latest collections from Northern Ireland´s prestigious retail store, House of Fraser, which produced a catwalk extravanganza.
 
Another item on the bill was a performance by the Donaghadee Male Voice Choir who entertained guests with a number of love-song harmonies. In contrast to this vocal performance, was the wonderful display of talent by musicians from Sullivan Upper School and Priory Integrated College who greeted guests at the champagne reception with some inspiring traditional mood music.
 
Guests enjoyed a sumptuous menu which was designed by Michelin star Chef Richard Corrigan – proprietor of Bentley’s Piccadilly and Dublin. Richard made an appearance on stage at the start of the night and explained to Jim and Sarah exactly what sort of cuisine the guests were to be served.
 
More music during the evening came from Adrian Dunbar, who swapped acting for singing and, together with his band The Jonahs, provided guests with some great after dinner entertainment. They were then joined on stage by charismatic jazz and blues singer Mirenda Rosenberg who wowed the audience with her powerful performance.
 
There were an array of auction items up for grabs many of which were donated personally by a host of famous celebrities such as Maeve Binchy, who will treat the winner to a specially prepared meal in her own home. In addition, acclaimed local artist Ross Wilson prepared an original painting of football legend George Best especially for the event.
 
Representatives of the Integrated Education Fund, chaired by Baroness May Blood, thanked Lord Mayor Naomi Long for choosing the Fund as one of her charities of the year.