UK: 'Burlesque' party raises over £100,000 for human rights

The party, a spectacular '21st Century Victorian Burlesque Extravaganza' held at Canvas nightclub, saw notable supporters of the human rights organisation raising money for a new Amnesty International Human Rights Action Centre, due to open in 2005, as they listened to a performance from chart-topping Natasha Bedingfield.

The partygoers - including Sting, Jade Jagger, Gillian Anderson, Miranda Richardson, Jamie Theakston, Tom Hollander, Mariella Frostrup, Jacquetta Wheeler, Dan McMillan, Jasmine Guinness, Keith Allen, Fiona Millar, Saffron Aldridge, Siobhan Hewlett, Lisa Butcher, Gina Bellman, Sarah Alexander, Jon Snow, Clemency Burton-Hill, Kelly Hoppen and the Temperley sisters - were joined by over 1,000 other guests to support Amnesty International's work.

Kate Allen, Director of Amnesty International UK, said:

'We're thrilled that this very exciting event has proved to be such a successful fundraiser for Amnesty International. Thank you to Joanna Weinberg, Pippa Davies and all of the members of the organising committee for the terrific energy and enthusiasm they put into the burlesque party and for giving up so much of their time on our behalf.'

The fundraising party, themed around a recreation of a Victorian burlesque ball, involved trapeze artists, Russian strongmen and jugglers, can-can dancers and cabaret. Money was raised through ticket sales, sponsorship and sideshows such as a tombola, 'pinhole' photo-booth and a silent auction.

Find out more about the Human Rights Action Centre...