On Friday 5 December at the fabulous Londoner, Leicester Square, London, TRIC raised funds for Bright Young Dreams and Refuge at its Star-Studed Christmas Lunch, Celebrating 100 Years of Television, plus, honouring Dame Mary Berry
TRIC (The Television & Radio Industries Club) ushered in the festive season with its annual Christmas Lunch, uniting the broadcasting industry to raise vital funds for Bright Young Dreams and Refuge while celebrating 100 Years of Television and recognising some of the longest-running and most influential shows in British broadcasting.
With massive sponsorship support from many, including the continued headline sponsorship of EURONICS UK, the charity event brought together a variety of industry leaders, talent, and partners for an afternoon of entertainment, reflection, and key announcements, with all proceeds supporting these two important causes chosen by TRIC’s President and Chair.
TRIC President Dan Walker, marking 20 years in broadcasting, hosted the occasion and confirmed he will continue in his role into 2026, returning to front the TRIC Awards next June. His continued leadership received a warm welcome from guests gathered to support the charitable mission.
Guests, supported by headline sponsor Euronics, enjoyed an amazing, standout live performance by Fleur East, whose trademark energy and powerful vocals brought the room to life, creating a memorable moment that underscored the event’s celebratory fundraising atmosphere.
This year’s lunch paid special tribute to 100 years of television, with proceeds from the event supporting the chosen charities while spotlighting five legendary long-running British programmes and the teams behind them:
- Doctor Who — sponsored by Sharp — honoured as the world’s longest-running science fiction series, recognised for its remarkable endurance and global impact.
- Coronation Street — sponsored by Domestic & General — acknowledged for its unparalleled legacy as the world’s longest-running soap opera and its ongoing commitment to compelling storytelling.
- Points of View — sponsored by LG Electronics — celebrated for championing audience voices and maintaining its unique place in British television.
- Blue Peter — sponsored by Cello — applauded for inspiring generations of young viewers through creativity, curiosity, and adventure.
- Match of the Day — sponsored by Appear — recognised as a cornerstone of sports broadcasting with an exceptional heritage.
The afternoon’s pinnacle moment came with the presentation of the TRIC Outstanding Achievement Award to Dame Mary Berry, sponsored by TiVo & Stone Cookers, honouring her extraordinary contributions to broadcasting and her lasting influence on the British public.
A closing speech after his tenure of TRIC Chair, Roy Dickens also announced that Charlotte Graham-Cumming, CEO of Ice Blue Sky, has been appointed TRIC Chair for 2026, making her only the second woman to hold this prestigious position in the organisation’s 94-year history. She will focus on strengthening partnerships with broadcasters, driving operational efficiency across the organisation, and maximising fundraising efforts for both Refuge and Bright Young Dreams.
The funds raised from this Christmas Lunch will be distributed between Bright Young Dreams, chosen by current President Dan Walker, and Refuge, the women’s domestic abuse charity.
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The charitable fundraising will continue throughout the year, culminating at the TRIC Awards on Tuesday 23 June 2026.
For further information about TRIC, or to enquire about table bookings or sponsorship opportunities for the Awards which support these charitable causes, please contact TRIC Director Alexia Sciplino at awards@tric.org.uk
Follow TRIC on X via @TRICawards, on Instagram at @tricawardsuk, or online at https://tric.org.uk
About TRIC (The Television & Radio Industries Club) Founded in 1931 during the early evolution of radio and television, TRIC promotes connection, understanding, and collaboration across the broadcasting, technology, and media sectors. Through high-profile events, TRIC raises vital funds for charities chosen annually by its leadership, combining celebration of broadcasting excellence with meaningful charitable impact.
About Euronics Combined Independents (Holdings) Ltd (CIH) is part of Euronics, Europe’s largest electrical buying group, operating in more than 30 countries with an annual turnover of €19 billion.
With around 450 members and approximately 650 stores across the UK and Northern Ireland, CIH supports independent electrical retailers with exclusive ranges and a suite of services not available elsewhere on the high street or online.
More information at euronics.co.uk.
