This year’s KFE Annual Ball saw the Belfry Hotel & Resort in Sutton Coldfield turn a sophisticated shade of pearly white as it also marked our company’s 30th anniversary.

Held on Sunday 17th May, the annual event welcomed more than 180 guests from across the fish and chip sector. Alongside celebrating the success and resilience of the industry, the evening provided a special opportunity to look back over the past 30 years.

Guests were greeted by two champagne ladies, a chandelier waitress, a headless waiter and a saxophone player, before moving into the main room, dressed in white décor with a striking LED ‘KFE 30’ display and a fun Vogue photobox.

While enjoying a three course meal, the infamous Singing Waiters made a subtle entrance when a ‘Deliveroo’ driver appeared to deliver a pizza to one of the guests before bursting into opera. Joined by a second singer and a ‘waitress’, they soon had guests on their feet and even doing the conga. Once the napkin-swinging had settled down, a ‘90s flash mob took to the stage to kick-start the evening and celebrate the year KFE first began. A ‘90s themed Heads & Tails game followed (won by Steff at Mister C’s), raising more than £1,500 for the evening’s charity, The Burnt Chef Project, before guests danced the night away to Apollo Soul, performing songs from across the decades, followed by a saxaphone and DJ set.

The entertainment didn’t stop there, with the conservatory opening up to feature ‘90s arcade games including Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Mario Brothers as well as a giant Twister, to name just a few. Kevin & Perry lookalikes mingled with guests before later taking to the dance floor, while a ‘90s photo backdrop and the evening’s most popular attraction – a karaoke booth – all added to the celebrations.

Managing Director Tanya Henderson gave an opening speech reflecting on how KFE was founded and thanking customers, both old and new, for their support. This included original customers Allan Davison and Harry Ramsdens, who attended the evening. It was also an opportunity to celebrate special milestones, including Bob England, who joined KFE’s service department as a welder in 2007 and retired last month, while also raising a toast to former KFE employee Tony Rooke, who sadly passed away last month.

On the green

Earlier that day, the annual KFE Golf Tournament teed off on the iconic Brabazon course, with 36 players enjoying the pristine fairways and greens. It was our highest turn out in several years and saw the International trophy between Scotland and England make a come back. It was a great day and even the odd shower couldn’t dampen players’ spirits.

Winner – Bernd Sterker, Dutch Qook! customer

Runner Up – Paul Davison, Premier 1 Filtration

Ladies Winner – Pouliche Sterker, Ducth Qook! customer (we had 3 playing!)

Longest Drive – Paul Gunn, The Bay

Nearest the Pin – Ashley Swain, Whitstones, Fish & Chips

Winning team – England comprising Hazel O’Connor, The Cottage; Mike Hulme Finneys; Tom & Paul, KFE; Graeme Burrell Yarm Road; and Lee Swain, Whitstones Fish & Chips

While the serious golfers competed for trophies, over 30 players took to the Ryder Legends mini golf for fun. A special mention has to go to Harry Long of Harlees who managed to take a shot from the third hole and hit the bartender. Who knew we needed to shout ‘four’ in mini golf?

Winner – Ryan Tank, KFE

Loser – Callum Henderson, KFE

A huge thank you

Commenting on this year’s ball, Tanya Henderson said: “As always, our ball was a fantastic opportunity to bring people from across the industry together while celebrating 30 years of KFE. It meant a lot to see so many customers, friends and colleagues there, from new customers to some of our longest-standing supporters, as well as our colleagues from QBTEC and their customers attending for the first time.

“A huge thank you to everyone who joined us, and to our amazing sponsors for helping make the evening such a memorable celebration. We are already working on a theme for next year’s ball and look forward to welcoming everyone back as we enter our fourth decade!”