Queen album is crowning glory of Smile4Rich charity auction

6:20am Friday 24th October 2008

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ROCK fans are in with a chance of scooping a piece of music history this weekend.

Fundraisers for Hampshire based charity Smile4Rich have managed to secure a special signed gold presentation version of Queen’s 1976 album A Day At The Races as an auction item at their glittering gala ball tonight.

The rare item is signed by each member of the band, including the band’s late frontman Freddie Mercury, and comes with a certificate of authenticity.

The auction also includes a gold presentation DVD disc of Pirates of the Caribbean 3 signed by film stars Johnny Depp and Orlando Bloom and a framed Formula One picture and cap signed by British driver Lewis Hamilton.

Now sealed bids are being invited for the items ahead of the event, which takes place at NV in Southampton and includes entertainment from top Motown and Soul cabaret artist Harry Cambridge.

Appeal co-ordinator Neil Westbrook said: “We had some signed Elvis memorabilia up for grabs at last year’s ball and we never imagined we would match that, but this is phenomenal.

“I’m totally blown away by the quality of the items and we really want to raise as much as possible so we’re inviting sealed bids from any fans out there.”

The annual gala ball is the highlight of the fundraising calendar for Smile4Rich, a charity which supports the work of the Wessex Neurological Centre at Southampton General Hospital.

If you would like to bid for one of the items, call Neil on 01489 582259 or email neilw@smile4rich.co.uk.