A charity auction offering a spectacular array of lots, from a £20,000 holiday on a private island in the Caribbean to meals at some of London's finest restaurants, is set to raise thousands for borough charities.

Bidding for the auction, which is a centrepiece of the Richmond May Ball, to be held this evening in a glamorous marquee setting on Richmond Green, closes at midnight tonight – Friday.

The event returns – along with the Richmond May Fair tomorrow – Saturday – following a three-year pause caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdowns.

The Fair itself with rides, entertainment, food and drink will also help raise many thousands of pounds for local community groups. And on Sunday, the site will be turned over to the Arts Richmond Book Picnic.

Bidding is already underway online for the auction which will raise money for two local charities. They are:

* Home-Start RKH, which supports families in the most difficult circumstances.

The aftermath of the pandemic and the rise in cost of living has left so many families in crisis, struggling financially and emotionally. Home Start currently provides a lifeline to over 300 families.

* Skylarks provides activities and resources for children with additional needs and their families. They support over 1000 children and the number is constantly growing.

The more than 80 lots includes a sparkling array of opportunities, luxury items, art works, jewellery as well as many once in a lifetime experiences.

In a coup for the event, famed illustrator, Axel Scheffler, will be creating an original signed colour sketch of the Gruffalo and Mouse, which can be personalised.

The luxury holidays on offer include an exclusive 7 night stay for two people on the island of Calala in the Caribbean, inclusive of food from Michelin-trained Executive chef, all drinks, watersports and activities, and transfers.

Recently named in 'The 10 Best Private Islands in the World', the private island is hidden in the undiscovered part of the Caribbean, lying just off the coast of Nicaragua. While the normal value of the trip would be £20,000.

Among the many other fabulous travel lots donated to the event are holidays in the Antibes; a stay in a Port Grimaud waterside house on Gulf of St Tropez; a seven night stay for up to 8 at ex-Springbok Schalk Burger Snr's Lodge in Wellington, South Africa; and a luxury holiday for two in Corfu.

Closer to home, there are champagne cruises on the Thames and a one week stay in a picturesque cottage in the Lake District.

In terms of famous names, it is possible to bid for two tennis lessons with Silent Witness Star and tennis coach, Richard Lintern. Former BBC news presenter and now best-selling author and child therapist, Kate Silverton, is offering a specialist consultation.

There is a bespoke training plan on offer from celebrity personal trainer and body transformation expert, Steve Coleman, whose many famous clients include Daniel Radcliffe. And a Pilates-based training session with celebrity trainer, Sam Eastwood, at her private studio.

While there are two hours of strictly fun ballroom dancing for up to 16 people with former BBC Strictly Come Dancing professional Andrew Cuerden.

For sports fans, there is a chance to bid for shirts worn by England stars Declan Rice and John Stones, a signed Brentford shirt and stadium tour and a mascot matchday opportunity at QPR. For Formula One fans, there is a McLaren Gulf Polo shirt signed by Lando Norris and Daniel Riccardo

There is also an array of tennis, racing and golf packages, as well as tickets for prestige games at Twickenham.

In terms of rarities, there is a limited-edition book of photographs featuring Daniel Craig as James Bond.

For lovers of fine food, there is a huge menu of restaurant options from famous names such as Scott's of Richmond, Stein's, the Bingham, The Goring, The Fat Badger and many more.

A number of artworks from celebrated local painters and jewellery pieces from the borough's talented creative community are also included in the auction.

Details of the lots and how to bid can be found here - https://www.jumblebee.co.uk/richmondmayball2023?fbclid=IwAR2_K0EsCnhNPEU3_g5VJ66GITewnrs-m07jggwb_XvvDFVThnh_Ca-X4a8#none