Ladies Festival 2026 Proves a Night to Remember

The Vale of Catmos Lodge celebrated one of the highlights of its social calendar with a hugely successful 2026 Ladies Festival, held in the beautiful surroundings of Rutland Hall.

With a fantastic turnout of brethren, partners, family and friends, the Festival provided an opportunity to come together away from the Lodge room for a weekend of good company, entertainment and, most importantly, to celebrate the ladies who provide so much support throughout the year.

Guests were welcomed with a glass of Prosecco or orange juice on arrival before taking their seats for a three-course gala dinner. With the formalities and traditional toasts forming part of the evening, there was still plenty of time for everyone to relax and enjoy the occasion. W. Bro. John Manby proposed the toast to the Ladies, which was answered by Charlotte Mitchell. W. Bro. George Grant proposed a toast to W. Bro. Glenn Mitchell, who replied in turn.

There were also a few surprises along the way, including gifts for the ladies and a special song performance. A professional photographer was on hand to capture the occasion, while the photobooth provided plenty more memorable (and perhaps slightly less formal) photographs from the night!

Once dinner and the formalities were complete, the resident DJ took over, and the celebrations continued with music and dancing until midnight, followed by more time together in the private function suites.

The Festival also provided an opportunity to raise money for two fantastic causes. Donations from the evening supported Rutland Rotaract Family Support Centre, which provides social, recreational, educational and therapeutic support to children and young people with additional needs or disabilities, and Prostaid, a local independent charity supporting men diagnosed with prostate cancer and their families.

A huge amount of work goes into organising an occasion like this, and our thanks go to the Festival Organising Committee, W. Bro. Graham Waller, W. Bro. LeRoy Sheppard and Bro. Roly Easson, for putting together such an enjoyable weekend.

Thanks must also go to everyone at Rutland Hall, everyone who contributed to the charity fundraising and, of course, all those who joined us and made the 2026 Ladies Festival such a memorable occasion.

The Ladies Festival remains a very special part of the Vale of Catmos calendar, and judging by the smiles, photographs and stories from the weekend, 2026 certainly lived up to that tradition.