SIR Elton John has featured in a star-studded lineup as Chewton Glen Hotel raised £1.9m for charity through its annual event.

The five-star hotel near New Milton welcomed Sir Elton for its annual Dine & Disco event last Saturday, masterminded by Virgin Radio DJ and television presenter, Chris Evans.

Over £1.9m was raised for the The Elton John AIDS Foundation with guests having previously taken part in an on-air auction to win a place at the private party.

Neighbours of the luxury hotel were able to enjoy the party by hearing the music from their nearby homes, with others reporting seeing the helicopters fly over en route to the hotel.

After a banquet produced by celebrity chefs, José Pizarro, Atul Kochhar, Tom Kerridge, James Martin and Chewton Glen’s Executive Head Chef, Luke Matthews, guests made their way to the hotel’s orchard.

Bournemouth Echo: Sir Elton John performing at Chewton Glen’s Dine & Disco night 2021.

Performing on the night was Rick Astley, plus a surprise musical guest appearance by former Spice Girl, Melanie C.

Other well-known faces included TV vet Noel Fitzpatrick, British comedian Alexander Horne, Radio DJ James Carpenter and Chris Evans team from Virgin Radio, including Vassos Alexander and Rachel Horne.

Later in the evening, comedian David Walliams provided an introduction to the stage for Sir Elton John and his 9 ft. long piano, known as Aretha, one of five pianos from his 2013 tour and part of his current farewell tour.

The legendary musician put on a solo performance featuring classics like ‘Bennie and the Jets’, ‘I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues’ and ‘Your Song’.

Bournemouth Echo: Chewton Glen’s Dine & Disco night.

British TV presenter and award-winning wine expert Olly Smith was also the ‘Master of Ceremonies’ for the culinary part of the evening, with guests having joined him in the hotel earlier in the day for a ‘Cake and Chat’ get-together, alongside fellow TV presenter, Angelica Bell, and former Bake Off winner, Candice Brown.

Andrew Stembridge, Executive Director of Iconic Luxury Hotels and Managing Director of Chewton Glen said: “It was a truly remarkable evening from start to finish. As always, we were thrilled to work with Chris Evans, as well as his right-hand man, Hiten Vora, to arrange the spectacular entertainment.

Bournemouth Echo: Chewton Glen's Dine & Disco night 2021.

“This was the fourth year we have hosted the ‘Dine & Disco’ at the hotel, which has raised many millions of pounds for charity since its inception, including BBC Children in Need and now The Elton John AIDS Foundation.

“The need to support each other, and our charity partners, has never been stronger as we progress through this pandemic, which has greatly affected so many lives. It was an honour and a privilege to host Sir Elton John and support his tireless work in combatting AIDS worldwide.”

The hotel said stringent COVID-19 safely precautions were in place for the event.