ROLLS-ROYCE OPERA EVENING SUPPORTS SOUTH DOWNS NATIONAL PARK TRUST

• Home of Rolls-Royce transformed for ‘one night only’ as an opera house
• Hosted by the Duke of Richmond and Gordon, and actor Hugh Bonneville
• Event raises over £60,000 to help protect and enhance the South Downs National Park
• Rolls-Royce Vision Vehicle 103EX provides a unique backdrop for the event

The Home of Rolls-Royce at Goodwood, West Sussex, was transformed for ‘one night only’ as an opera house to raise funds for the South Downs National Park Trust, the official charity of the South Downs National Park. The world’s leading luxury manufacturer was delighted to welcome the internationally-renowned Grange Festival Opera, who performed several sets for over 100 invited VIP guests. The Rolls-Royce Vision Vehicle, codenamed 103EX, provided a unique backdrop for the event and gave guests a glimpse into the future of luxury.

The evening was hosted by the Duke of Richmond and Gordon, Chairman of the Trust’s Development Board, and actor Hugh Bonneville, who lives in the National Park and is best known for playing the role of the Earl of Grantham in the period drama, Downton Abbey. The unique event included a silent auction, raising over £60,000 to help protect and enhance the South Downs National Park for future generations.

The Home of Rolls‑Royce is located less than half a mile from the South Downs, nestled in the South-Westerly corner of the quintessentially British Goodwood Estate. The company’s award‑wining manufacturing plant, originally designed by British architectural practice Grimshaw, is hidden from view and includes, amongst many sustainable features, the largest living roof in Britain.

The South Downs National Park is England's newest National Park, having become fully operational in 2011. The National Park covers an area of over 1,000 square miles through the counties of Hampshire, West Sussex and East Sussex.

The South Downs National Park Trust is the official charity of the South Downs National Park. An independent organisation, it is governed by an autonomous board of trustees.

The Trust is funding a number of key projects, including supporting more children to get outside and learn in the National Park, improving walking and cycling routes, and increasing biodiversity by creating new wildlife corridors.

Julie Fawcett, Chair of the South Downs National Park Trust, said: “It was a fantastic evening of fundraising and the amount raised is incredible – a clear reflection of the love people have for this world-class landscape.

“We want to see more rare habitats protected, more local communities thriving and more people able to access the National Park. This fundraising boost will really help to achieve our goals and we’d like to thank everyone who donated.”

Andrew Ball, Head of Corporate Relations, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, said, “We were delighted to support the South Downs National Park Trust with this exceptional event. We work closely with the Trust and, with the Park just a stones throw from the Home of Rolls-Royce, we are reminded daily of our spectacular location.”