MAGICIANS, music and an Olympic sailing waters backdrop will make this year’s Weymouth Lifeboat Ball a night to remember.

The event, hosted by the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy, will be raising funds for the RNLI.

Taking place on Saturday, April 25, the top-class fundraising ball aims to kick-start the 2009 sailing season in style.

Guests will be entertained in an indoor marquee at the academy’s event hall by Ben Waters and his band; a French-style floor show from the lovelies of Pzazz; and magicians will tour the tables.

In addition, there will be two raffles, including a top of the range raffle with prizes including two pairs of tickets to Mamma Mia in the West End and a quick-fire, speed-booze raffle.

John Tweed, chief executive of the academy said: “We’re honoured to be hosting this event. The RNLI is a fantastic cause and we are glad that we can assist through use of our facilities.”

There will be a wine room and quiet room for relaxation.

In keeping with the theme of the evening it is possible to arrive at the ball by boat.

The academy is offering its new pontoon facilities to those wishing to arrive by boat and, for those intending to stay onboard over night, Spinnakers, the academy’s restaurant, will be open for breakfast the following morning.

All berthing fees will be donated to the RNLI – to book a berth, contact the academy’s reception on 01305 866000.

In addition, Weymouth Pavilion is supporting the event and supplying all the chairs for the evening at no charge.

It will start at 6.30pm, with dinner served at 7.30pm and carriages or boats to be summoned at 1am.

Tickets are £27.50 – contact Hazel Shaw on 01305 776659 for details.

Sponsorship of the event is still available, email shawpublicity@btinternet.com for further information.