The White Ensign Association (WEA) has raised £48,478 to support its work in the Naval community through its flagship fundraising event of 2026, the HMS Belfast Past, Present & Future Dinner.
Held aboard HMS Belfast in the Pool of London on 2nd July 2026, the event brought together partners and supporters on the historic cruiser that has been home to the White Ensign Association for more than 50 years. Marking ninety years since HMS Belfast’s keel was laid, the evening celebrated the enduring generations of people and vessels that together have shaped Royal Navy capability, looking ahead to the future HMS Belfast (F90), the Type 26 frigate now taking shape on the Clyde.
The funds raised will directly support the White Ensign Association’s work providing free, independent guidance on personal finance and life administration. Every year, the charity supports thousands of serving personnel, Service leavers, veterans and families, helping them make informed decisions throughout their careers, during transition from Service and long into civilian life.
The evening was delivered in partnership with BAE Systems, Headline Partner for the event and builders of the future HMS Belfast, an advanced anti‑submarine frigate. Their support brought the event’s Past, Present & Future theme to life, recognising the enduring contribution of the people who design, build, maintain and serve in the ships that deliver Royal Navy capability.
Admiral Sir Philip Jones GCB DL, Chair of the White Ensign Association, said:
“The story of HMS Belfast is one of continuity. From this historic warship, home to the White Ensign Association for more than 50 years, to the future Type-26 HMS Belfast, it is the people who design, build, maintain and serve our ships who ensure the Royal Navy remains ready for the challenges of tomorrow. My sincere thanks go to our partners and supporters whose generosity enables the charity to continue providing trusted, independent guidance to the Naval community through every stage of life.”
Simon Lister Managing Director of BAE Systems’ Naval Ships business said:
“We are proud to support the White Ensign Association and the vital work it does for the Naval community. HMS Belfast is an important part of our maritime heritage, and we are honoured to be building the future HMS Belfast as part of the UK Government’s Type 26 programme. With construction progressing well in Govan, our highly skilled teams and suppliers are helping provide the capability the Royal Navy will rely on for decades to come.
“The White Ensign Association reminds us that behind every ship are the people and families whose service deserves our support. This collaboration reflects our commitment to the Royal Navy and to delivering ships worthy of those who serve in them.”
The Association is also sincerely grateful to further partners Lloyd’s Register and The Gosling Foundation, whose support helped make the evening possible.
Lucy Dibdin, Global Director of Communications and sponsorship lead for Lloyd’s Register, said:
“Lloyd’s Register is proud to support the White Ensign Association and its vital work supporting serving past and present members of the Royal Navy, Royal Marines and their families.
“As a long-standing partner to the maritime community, we recognise the importance of standing behind those who have dedicated their careers to service at sea. We are delighted that this event has raised such a significant amount to help WEA continue that work.”
Adam Gosling of The Gosling Foundation said:
“The Gosling Foundation invests in people’s futures and is delighted to support the WEA, whose work helps members of the Royal Navy family unlock new opportunities.”
The White Ensign Association extends its sincere thanks to internationally acclaimed historian, bestselling author and broadcaster James Holland, whose address brought the evening’s Past, Present & Future theme vividly to life. Reflecting on HMS Belfast’s distinguished service and the generations connected to her, his contribution provided a compelling historical perspective on the ship that the WEA is proud to call home.
Music throughout the evening was provided by the Royal Marines Association Brass Quintet, including the accompaniment to Ceremonial Sunset. Performing at more than 75 events each year, the Quintet enables former Royal Marines musicians to continue representing the Corps while raising vital funds for The Royal Marines Charity. Their performance brought the traditions of the Royal Marines to an evening centred on service, people and support for the wider Naval community.
The WEA is also grateful to serving Royal Navy Observers Lt Cdr Dave Emery and Lt Cdr Phil Clark from Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose who performed to the quarterdeck reception. Their band Little Red Ambulance was first formed in Camp Bastion, Afghanistan, and they have been writing and performing together for 15 years. Through their original music they raise awareness of the experiences of Service personnel and military families, with proceeds from recent releases supporting charities across the Naval and wider Armed Forces community.
The City of London Sea Cadets welcomed guests with a Guard of Honour before joining the Royal Marines Association Brass Quintet for Ceremonial Sunset. Based aboard HMS Belfast, the unit combines nautical adventure and personal development with the customs and traditions of the Royal Navy, helping young people develop confidence, resilience and valuable life skills. Their involvement provided a fitting reminder that the future of the Naval community depends not only on ships and technology, but on inspiring and developing the next generation.
Guests also supported the White Ensign Association through a silent auction, with energetic bidding throughout the evening helping to raise vital funds for the charity. The Association is sincerely grateful to the organisations and individuals who generously donated prizes and helped make the auction such a success: Imperial War Museums, Commander, HMS Prince of Wales, The Kia Oval, James Holland, Historian & Author, The Goodwood Revival, Indigo Zulu Ink, Old Royal Naval College, Gillian Jones Designs, Royal Navy Presentation Team, Yeoman Warders at the Tower of London, Lottie Marchant-Wincott, Tour Guide, and Four Seasons Hotel London at Tower Bridge.
The White Ensign Association extends its sincere thanks to everyone whose generosity and support made the evening such a memorable success.
