Charity Auction
Since its inception in 2015, the Fundraising Gala Dinner at Lichfield Cathedral has raised over £200,000, thanks to the generosity of our guests, sponsors, and donors. This year's event, sponsored by Friel Homes, will take place on Friday 16 May 2025, and promises to be an unforgettable evening of fine dining in the Cathedral Nave. Guests will enjoy a champagne reception, a three-course dinner, and opportunity to bid on wide-ranging lots at auction.
All proceeds from the auction will support the ongoing work and upkeep of Lichfield Cathedral.
This is the opportunity to participate in the auction, by leaving a bid for one or more of the following lots. Do support us as generously as you can.
The Hopton Shield
Donated by Matthew Tinsley
Entirely unique and carved especially for the Gala Dinner by our own Stonemason, Matthew Tinsley. The stone is a type of limestone named ‘Hopton Wood’. This particular piece has been reclaimed from the Cathedral floor and carved into the Diocesan crest with the Cathedral motto ‘Inservi Deo et Laetare’ – Serve God and be Cheerful! It has been gilded with 23 karat gold and painted to the Lichfield colours.
Hammer price: £550
Tasting Menu For 2 at Upstairs by Tom Shepherd
Donated by Tom Shepherd
Indulge in an unforgettable culinary experience with a tasting menu for two at Upstairs by Tom Shepherd, Staffordshire’s first and only Michelin-starred restaurant. Located in the heart of Lichfield, Upstairs offers contemporary British fine dining in a refined yet relaxed atmosphere, perfect for a special evening.
Hammer price: £550
Full hospitality at a Burton Albion Home League Match
Donated by Ben Robinson MBE DL
Perfect for football enthusiasts, enjoy a warm welcome at the Pirelli Stadium, where you'll be treated to a delicious pre-match meal for four people, drinks, and match tickets at a home league match in the 2025/26 season, as guests of the Honorary Chairman, Ben Robinson MBE DL.
Hammer price: £500
Image: Burton Albion Football Club
Framed Paintbrush by Amrit Singh
This unique and vibrant framed paintbrush artwork by MrASingh has been executed in the same style as his elephant in last year's March of the Elephants trail in Lichfield, Tamworth, and Sutton Coldfield. His elephant titled 'Eternal Life' was situated at the Cathedral, and the artist has produced this artwork especially for the Gala Dinner in the same stained-glass motif. MrASingh's work has been showcased in over 50 exhibitions, including The Wallace Collection and in Trafalgar Square.
Hammer price: £280
A Connoisseurs' Day at Weston Park
Donated by the Trustees of the Weston Park Foundation
Weston Park, the historic seventeenth century house set in a thousand acres of Capability Brown parkland on the Shropshire/ Staffordshire borders is home to one of the UK’s finest historic house collections of fine and decorative art. The prize includes a tour with Curator Gareth Williams DL, a two-course lunch for four at the Granary Restaurant, access to the Rose Paterson Art Gallery, gardens, and parkland. Available on a mutually convenient day during the visitor season. Dates at Weston Park's website.
Hammer price: £420
Four Ball Golf at Little Aston Golf Club
Donated by Little Aston Golf Club
A round of golf at this prestigious 18-hole course located within the Little Aston Park private estate in Sutton Coldfield. This is one of the highest rated parkland courses in England. The offer is Monday-Friday excluding Thursday.
Hammer price: £850
Image: Little Aston Golf Club
Pet or House Portrait
Donated by Richard Merriman
Commission a portrait of your home, favourite pooch or maybe a much-loved hen. Richard works in pastels or black inks and would also be delighted to receive commissions. You can see Richard’s work on Instagram: @rpm_theartist.
Hammer price: £650