ORGANISERS of Dorchester Arts' first official fundraiser are taking a bow after the event raised £8,000.

The arts organisation hosted a Pearl Gala at the Corn Exchange as part of its ongoing 30th anniversary celebrations.

The event gave supporters and people in the town the chance to look back and celebrate the successes of the past three decades as well as raise vital funds towards a bright future.

A combination of ticket sales, a live auction and a raffle as well as sponsorship from local businesses and one-off donations helped Dorchester Arts to reach the impressive fundraising total.

The amount raised is a welcome boost to Dorchester Arts’ fundraising targets and is especially crucial in light of recent cuts from the Arts Council.

Artistic director Mark Tattersall said: "We are immensely grateful to all those involved in this event and are delighted with the amount raised.

"We firmly believe that every penny counts and with our regular Arts Council funding coming to an end this April anything raised, whether large or small, makes a difference.

"We are also truly thankful to have such a wonderful team of staff and volunteers who have done a sterling job in helping us deliver on this fantastic night, which we hope to repeat next year."

Guests were treated to cocktails and canapés on arrival followed by a three course meal and dessert courtesy of Eldridge Creative Dining, which was accompanied by live music from gypsy swing quartet Gypsy Fire.

There was also a surprise video message on the night from comedian Eddie Izzard, who wished Dorchester Arts a happy birthday and every success for the future.

Duke's auctioneer Garry Batt oversaw the live auction and helped to ensure all items sold for more than their guide price.

Items up for grabs included designer shoes and a handbag owned by Gwyneth Paltrow and a writer's masterclass with local author and honorary patron of Dorchester Arts Minette Walters.

The headline sponsor on the night was British Solar Renewables.

Chief operating officer Rupert Cotterell, who represented the firm on the night said: "It was a very enjoyable and successful evening, strongly supported by the local community, with whom Dorchester Arts has engaged so meaningfully for the last 30 years."

Other companies that supported the event included Smith and Williamson, The Watercress Company, Sculpture By the Lakes, Battens Solicitors, Humphries Kirk and Porter Dodson.

There was also support from members of the Digby family of the Minterne Estate.

Following on from the Pearl Gala, Dorchester Arts will be hosting a number of smaller scale fundraising events throughout the year as well as continuing to roll out its new individual support programme.

Fundraising officer Karen Malim said: "We are thrilled with the outcome of the Pearl Gala and are now keen to see this success continue to grow."

For more information about the individual support programmes visit dorchesterarts.org.uk