A year of events, entertainment and community fundraising has ended on a high, with an incredible £3,751 raised for Level Best Enterprises during our time as one of the Mayor of Colchester’s chosen charities for 2025/26.
Level Best Manager Alison Ling and our Trainee and Service Development Manager, Abi Baty, were invited to attend the Mayor’s Charity Committee meeting on 2 September, where representatives from the chosen charities were presented with their share of the year’s fundraising.
In total, the programme raised an impressive £18,759, shared between the five charities supported during Cllr Mike Lilley’s 2025/26 year as Mayor of Colchester.
Alongside Level Best Enterprises, the Mayor’s chosen charities were Colchester Foodbank, Open Road, The Underdog Crew and The Not Forgotten.
A year of fundraising across Colchester
The Mayor’s fundraising drive, under the theme ‘Health, Happiness and Wellbeing’, brought together people, organisations and venues from across Colchester to raise funds and celebrate the city’s community spirit.
One of the biggest events was The Mayor’s Variety Show at the Mercury Theatre, which brought musicians, comedians, dancers, choirs, actors and more to the stage in April.
The programme also included the Beat the Mayor Chess Tournament, where the Mayor and Colchester MP Pam Cox were among those taking part in a day encouraging people of all ages and abilities to get involved.
There were plenty of other memorable moments along the way, including a festive performance of A Christmas Carol at Level Best.
And, of course, Level Best added a little homemade flavour to the fundraising with our special Mayor’s Jam and Chutney, bringing together two things we love: making great produce and supporting our community.
Thank you, Colchester
A huge thank you to everyone who bought a ticket, attended an event, made a donation or purchase, or helped behind the scenes during the year.
We would also like to thank Cllr Mike Lilley and Alderman Lyn Barton, who served as Mayor and Mayoress during 2025/26; the Mayor’s Charity Committee and its co-ordinator, Rodney Appleyard; and all the performers, venues, businesses, volunteers, and supporters who helped make the fundraising programme possible.
And finally, thank you to our fellow Mayor’s Charities for sharing such a memorable year with us.
£3,751 is a fantastic result for Level Best, but the connections, experiences and support built along the way have made the year just as valuable.
Thank you, Colchester, for helping us continue to support our Trainees to achieve their Level Best.
