The Lantern Gala 2026 · Saturday 14 November · Thornbury Hall, in aid of The Lantern Foundation. Get tickets →
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Silent auction · open all evening

Bid from your phone or table

Browse the full catalogue of experiences, stays and signed pieces below. Bidding opens when doors open and closes during dessert, and the system bids on your behalf up to whatever maximum you set, so you never have to watch the clock.

Bidding closes at 9:30pm tonight, right after the main course.

Leaderboard, raised so far tonight

Raised so far across every lot£30,025.00
  1. Le Cordon Bleu Cookery MasterclassLe Cordon Bleu Cookery Masterclass£2,400.00Leading: Sophie T.
  2. Private Island Villa EscapePrivate Island Villa Escape£2,000.00Leading: Marcus B.
  3. Riviera Yacht Charter DayRiviera Yacht Charter Day£1,900.00Leading: James O.
  4. African Safari Lodge ExperienceAfrican Safari Lodge Experience£1,900.00Leading: Aisha R.
  5. London Helicopter Sightseeing Flight for TwoLondon Helicopter Sightseeing Flight for Two£1,500.00Leading: Tom F.

How silent bidding works

  • Set your maximum bid once, the system bids for you, one increment at a time, exactly like eBay
  • You’ll get an instant notification the moment you’re outbid
  • If your phone loses signal mid-bid, your bid is saved on your device and sent automatically the moment you reconnect, so a weak room never costs you a lot. Rehearse a signal drop →
  • Winning bidders are emailed a payment link the second the auction closes

Where your bids go

Every bid tonight goes to The Lantern Foundation, funding a new respite suite for families who rely on its free respite care and children’s hospice services.

The silent auction is just the start of the evening. There is also a live auction for the headline lots, a raffle, and a pledge drive, so there is a way for everyone in the room to give.

Frequently asked questions

What is a silent auction?

A silent auction lets guests bid on donated lots without a live auctioneer calling each sale, bids are placed online or on paper over a fixed window, and the highest bid when it closes wins the item.

How does bidding work?

Set the most you are willing to pay and the system bids for you, one step at a time, only when someone challenges you, so you often pay less than your maximum. The highest bid when the lot closes wins.

Does placing a bid charge my card straight away?

No. Placing a bid never charges anything. Your card is only charged if you win a lot when it closes.