Founder’s Day Dinner 2026

Register now to book or bid on a lot: Christ’s Hospital Founder’s Day Dinner

Event Overview

The 2026 Founder’s Day Dinner will take place in the Dining Hall at Christ’s Hospital on Saturday, 31st October 2026. A Drinks Reception will commence at 5.15pm with Dinner served from 6.00pm  Chief Steward, Bryan Hall (Prep. A, Ma. A & Col. A 1963–72) presides as Chair for the evening.

Distinguished Guests

The Guest of Honour and principal speaker for the dinner will be John Franklin, (Headmaster 2007 -2017), he will be accompanied by his wife, Kim. The traditional response will be delivered by Major General (Retd.) Roger Lane RM CBE (Mid. B 1966–72).

Event Schedule and Logistics

The date and timing of the dinner have been selected to accommodate the needs of the school and to recognise the additional travel involved for many attendees. To enhance the experience, an afternoon and evening programme of activities has been arranged. The provisional timetable is as follows:

• Although not finally confirmed yet the day will open in the early afternoon. A minibus will meet trains arriving from London and transport passengers to the quadrangle and back. This service is limited and intended for those requiring assistance. Direct trains from Victoria, calling at Clapham Junction and East Croydon depart every half hour and the journey takes approximately 65 minutes. On-site parking is available.
• School Walking Tours and CH Museum: Museum viewings and School Walking Tours are planned for 2:15pm and 3:05pm. Once you have booked your place, further details and registrations information will be available in the information Portal.
• Group Photograph: All guests will be invited to gather in front of the Dining Hall at 4.10pm for a commemorative photograph.
• Chapel Service: Scheduled for 4.30pm.
• Drinks Reception: will be held from 5.15pm in the East end of Dining Hall, featuring live music. Coats may be left in the Court Room.
• Dinner: Served from 6.00pm. It is hoped the meal will conclude in time for guests to catch a train arriving in London before 22.30. Those wishing to stay longer can remain until 22.00, during which time a drinks bar will be available. The customary late night and early morning gathering will also be arranged by the Stewards, with details on the chosen venue near Victoria to be provided closer to the date.
• Auction: Planned to take place following the serving of dessert

Charity Auction – Call for Contributions

There are currently 16 lots in the auction ranging from rugby tickets at Twickenham, a dining table and chairs, and several limited edition prints of African wildlife.

Special Significance

This year’s event holds particular significance as it marks the 200th anniversary of the first known recording of these dinners. It is anticipated that Ken Mansell’s “History of the Christ’s Hospital Founder’s Day Dinner” will be published during the year, offering new insights and addressing longstanding questions about the event’s history.

Ticketing and Donations

Thanks to the generous support of the school and its caterers, ticket prices for this year’s dinner will be considerably lower than in previous years.

Old Blues aged 30 and over and ALL guests       £100

Old Blues aged 26-29 inclusive                             £80

Old Blues 25 and under                                          £60

Although it is not traditional for the Founder’s Day Dinner to serve as a fundraising event, the Stewards feel it is both appropriate and timely for 2026. Therefore, all attendees are respectfully encouraged to consider the reduced ticket price and, if able, make a donation more reflecting the amount that would have been paid for a London-based event (estimated at £145). Donations are entirely voluntary, confidential, and will require the completion of a gift aid form as part of the ordering process. There is no expectation attached to contributions—everyone is warmly welcomed, regardless of donation. ALL monies raised will be donated to Christ’s Hospital

Accommodation

For guests who prefer not to travel late at night, the school will provide a list of local hotels. Details of these accommodation options will be published at a later date.

Closing Remarks

There is still a measure of planning to complete and as issues are confirmed the information will appear on the Founder’s Day Dinner website chfoundersdaydinner.com where tickets may be ordered. Any queries may be addressed to jdw.wor@btinternet.com or  fddstewards@gmail.com

Chief Steward Bryan Hall and all the Stewards are confident that this will be a truly memorable occasion. All Old Blues are encouraged to return to the school, reconnect with friends, and celebrate in the familiar and welcoming environment of Christ’s Hospital.