IT WAS billed as a star-studded Bridgerton-themed event featuring a host of famous faces, including actor Richard Armitage.
But ticket-holders, some of whom had paid hundreds of pounds to attend The Diamond Gala at Oakley Hall, have been left disappointed after organisers cancelled the event days before it was due to be held, saying the 'difficult decision' was made because three guest stars pulled out.
The Diamond Gala was due to take place from Friday, February 27 to Sunday, March 1 at Oakley Hall Hotel with Q&As, dancing lessons, an evening ball, and afternoon tea.
Various ticket packages were available, including meet and greets, photo opportunities and overnight stays at the hotel, with some costing hundreds of pounds.
However, organisers said they were forced to cancel the event after three stars pulled out, but they declined to reveal which stars were no longer able to attend.
Organisers told ticket holders they felt it was ‘best not to proceed’ without the star-studded cast.
In an email sent to ticketholders on February 24 - just three days before the event was due to start - organisers said: “It is with genuine sadness that I'm writing to let you know that we have had to make the very difficult decision to cancel The Diamond Gala.
“After careful consideration, we felt we could not deliver the special event we had promised you, and therefore believe it is best not to proceed.”
One of the event organisers, who was behind the Basingstoke Comic Con event, said that the guests dropped out due to filming abroad, a PR event and personal issues, respectively.
Stars Richard Armitage, Chris Fulton, Adjoa Andoh, Robert James-Collier, Martins Imhangbe, Max Brown and Bridgerton author Julia Quinn were due to appear at the event, according to its website.
Actor Armitage, who starred in North and South and announced Bridgerton as winner at the National Television Awards in 2024, has been seen filming Winter in Belgium but confirmed in a post on X that he was due to attend as planned.
Organisers said they hope to reschedule the event and will issue more information at a later date.
All tickets for the gala have been refunded, and the organisers will reimburse travel expenses.
All guests will still receive a signed photo, and those with VIP tickets will receive a VIP pack from the event.
The ‘social event of the year’ was expected to entertain 400 guests, promising to deliver ‘the charm of Bridgerton, the elegance of Downton Abbey, and the gritty intensity of North & South.’
Sofia Wells, customer relationship manager for The Diamond Gala, said: "We're excited about the rescheduling of the Diamond Gala and appreciate everyone’s patience as we finalise the new date. The event had already generated so much buzz, and we’re looking forward to sharing more details soon.
"We’re confident that when the new date is confirmed, it will be an unforgettable celebration, and we can't wait to welcome everyone to an even more spectacular evening."
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