There are evenings that sparkle in the moment, and then there are evenings where the impact reaches far beyond the night itself.
Our 4th Annual Focus Foundation Winter Ball – ‘Now that’s what I call a 90s Winter Ball’ – held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole on the 7th February 2026, was unquestionably the latter.
From the first guests arriving beneath the neon glow and soft wash of 90s nostalgia, there was a tangible sense that this was no ordinary black-tie celebration. Glasses clinked, old friends reunited, and anticipation built as the room filled with more than 430+ guests, all united by one shared belief: that when a community comes together with purpose, extraordinary things can happen.
As the evening unfolded, that energy transformed into something even more powerful, a collective commitment to creating real, measurable change.
Denise Van Outen (actress, singer and television presenter, best known for Channel 4’s ‘The Big Breakfast’) and Duncan James (actor, singer and television presenter, best known as member of successful 00s boy band, ‘Blue’), brought warmth, wit and effortless glamour as our hosts, guiding the evening with humour and heart.
The dancefloor came alive with incredible tributes to Mariah Carey and the Spice Girls, alongside feel-good throwback anthems from live band Rhythm of the 90s.
But while the dancefloor was electric, it was the generosity in the room that truly stole the show.
A Night of Generosity
Thanks to the extraordinary support of everyone in attendance, the 2026 Winter Ball raised an incredible £148,662.
Chris Goodman, Co-Founder of Focus Foundation and Focus Group, reflected:
“I am always overwhelmed by the generosity of our guests at these events and remain committed to making sure our grants make the maximum impact possible for under-privileged children, those with mental health challenges and other community-based initiatives.
Our five selected grassroots charities receiving immediate funding as a result of this year’s Winter Ball are all ready and waiting to use these resources immediately to make a positive impact for their respective causes.
It will be very rewarding to see this happen.”
Meet the 2026 Beneficiary Charities
Pelican Parcels
Pelican Parcels supports families experiencing poverty across Brighton & Hove by providing essential items for babies and children, from clothing and nappies to school uniforms and safe sleeping equipment.
Funding from the Winter Ball will help them respond to rising demand, ensuring vulnerable families can access practical, dignified support during times of crisis. For many parents, this isn’t simply about items, it’s about relief, reassurance and the ability to care for their children with confidence.
Find out more about Pelican Parcels here.
Rett UK
Rett UK supports families affected by Rett syndrome, a rare and complex neurological condition that primarily affects girls and leads to severe physical and communication challenges.
Funds raised will contribute towards specialist support services, family guidance and advocacy, helping parents navigate diagnosis, care pathways and the long-term realities of living with a life-limiting condition. For families often facing isolation, this support is life-changing.
Find out more about Rett UK here.
Grassroots Suicide Prevention
Grassroots Suicide Prevention works tirelessly to prevent suicide, reduce stigma and provide essential training across Sussex and beyond.
Winter Ball funding will help expand suicide prevention training programmes, equipping individuals, workplaces and community groups with the skills and confidence to have potentially life-saving conversations. Early intervention saves lives – and this funding directly strengthens that frontline work.
Find out more about Grassroots Suicide Prevention here.
Stormbreak
Stormbreak uses movement-based mentoring to improve children’s mental health. Through specially trained coaches delivering programmes in schools and community settings, they help children build emotional resilience, self-awareness and coping strategies.
Support from the Ball will allow more young people, particularly those in disadvantaged communities, to access early mental health intervention, equipping them with tools that can shape their futures for the better.
Find out more about Stormbreak here.
Sussex Nightstop
Sussex Nightstop provides emergency accommodation for young people at risk of homelessness, placing them with trained volunteer hosts in safe, supportive homes.
Funding will help ensure that vulnerable young people facing crisis have immediate access to secure shelter and longer-term support. At its core, this is about safety, stability and giving young people the chance to rebuild.
Find out more about Sussex Nightstop here.
Sussex Superstars 2026
One of the most electric moments of the evening came during the Sussex Superstars 2026 Grand Finale.
Four exceptional finalists took to the stage, performing before a celebrity judging panel that included Focus Foundation Patron Anita Dobson, singer, dancer and chorographer Jacquie Brunjes, alongside hosts Denise Van Outen and Duncan James.
After a nail-biting vote, with the audience contributing 20% of the final score, the 2026 winners were announced as Soundwave, an emerging four-piece rock band aged just 15-16 from Longhill High School.
Their prize: £500 and an unforgettable night.
Backstage, they received encouragement and industry insight from rock legend, Queen guitarist and songwriter Brian May, who spoke candidly about navigating the music industry as a young band. Duncan James also shared advice from his own experience as part of Blue, reinforcing the power of perseverance, collaboration and belief.
It was a powerful reminder that the Winter Ball isn’t only about funding impact today, it’s about nurturing potential for tomorrow.
Looking Ahead to Next Year
The 2026 Winter Ball was not simply a glamorous night out. It was a powerful demonstration of what happens when generosity meets action.
Lives will change because of what happened in that room.
And we’re already looking ahead to doing it all again at our 5th Annual Winter Ball (and birthday celebration!) on 6th February 2027. Bigger, bolder and with even greater impact.
If you couldn’t join us this year, we would love to welcome you next time. To register your interest early, please contact [email protected].