Midlands Air Ambulance Charity has announced that local broadcaster and Deputy Lieutenant Ed James will return as host of its highly anticipated Saving Lives Charity Ball, taking place on Friday 25th September 2026 at Edgbaston Stadium in Birmingham.
The charity has also confirmed a host of Midlands businesses as sponsors of this year’s event, which forms part of its 35th anniversary celebrations and will bring together supporters, corporate partners, fundraisers and friends of the charity for an evening of celebration and fundraising.
Returning host Ed James will lead the evening, which will recognise the outstanding individuals, organisations and supporters who help make the charity’s lifesaving work possible.
Guests will enjoy a drinks reception, three-course dinner, awards presentation, live entertainment and a selection of fundraising activities throughout the evening.
This year’s awards will shine a spotlight on the people and organisations making a difference across the Midlands. Headline sponsor EBC Group is also sponsoring the Special Incident Award, with Fusion Communications sponsoring the Young Hero Award and Rathbones sponsoring the Charity Volunteer Award.
Astutemedia will sponsor the Charity Shop Volunteer Award, while Airbus will sponsor the Corporate Partner Award and Pallet-Track will sponsor the Community Fundraiser Award. Babcock will sponsor the 35 Year Beacon Award, recognising the significance of the charity’s 35th anniversary and the longstanding support that has helped it reach this milestone.
The event is also supported by a number of additional sponsors, including Barratt Homes, CFP Lottery & Raffles, TH Baker, In-Comm Training, Tipton & Coseley Building Society, WDPS Stoke Ltd and Wall James Chappell.
Ed James said: “It’s a real honour to be returning to host the Saving Lives Charity Ball. Midlands Air Ambulance Charity does truly incredible work across the region, and this year’s event is particularly special as the charity celebrates 35 years of saving lives.
“It’s always a fantastic evening, bringing together so many of the people who support the charity and make its work possible. I’m looking forward to celebrating with everyone and helping raise vital funds to keep the service operational.”
Jo Bailey, group events lead at Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, said: “Our Saving Lives Charity Ball is always a highlight in our events calendar, and this year promises to be particularly special as we celebrate 35 years of Midlands Air Ambulance Charity.
“We’re delighted to welcome Ed James back as our host. Ed brings such warmth and energy to the evening and is a fantastic supporter of the charity. We’re also incredibly grateful to all of our sponsors who have chosen to support this year’s event. From our award sponsors to those supporting individual elements of the evening, their backing helps us to celebrate the incredible people behind our lifesaving work while raising vital funds for the future.
“We’d love to see as many of our supporters, corporate partners, friends and families as possible join us. It promises to be a very special evening, and every ticket purchased will help us continue providing lifesaving care across the Midlands.”
With places still available, the charity is encouraging supporters and businesses to secure their tickets and join Ed James and Midlands Air Ambulance Charity for an evening celebrating 35 years of saving lives.
For ticket bookings, please visit www.midlandsairambulance.com/saving-lives-charity-ball-2026/
For further information on the charity and the Saving Lives Charity Ball, visit www.midlandsairambulance.com and follow the organisation on social media.
