Northern Hooves, Hearts and Heroes set to shine at HAPPA’s Gala and Awards evening
HAPPA (Horses and Ponies Protection Association) is inviting animal lovers across the North to celebrate the extraordinary bond between people and animals at this year’s Gala and Awards Evening
Taking place at Dunkenhalgh Spa & Hotel, Clayton-le-Moors, on Saturday, September 26 from 6.30pm, the evening promises to be a heartfelt celebration of compassion, courage and community spirit.
Earlier this year, HAPPA launched the first Hoof & Hearts Awards 2026, a first-of-its-kind celebration for the North, created to recognise the people and animals who inspire kindness, resilience and positive change. Nominations were welcomed from charities, non-profits, businesses and individuals leading the way in animal causes.
The Gala and Awards Evening will honour those nominated across seven uplifting categories, celebrating animals of every kind, from fluffy companions and feathered friends to scaly stars and, of course, the much-loved horses and ponies at the heart of HAPPA’s mission.
Pet owners, animal lovers, equestrian communities, rescue establishments, businesses and community networks are encouraged to come together for a night of glitz and glamour, stepping away from the daily hard graft of animal care to celebrate the paws, claws, hooves and hearts that make our communities brighter.
Tickets are on sale now and include a three-course meal, inspiring awards moments and a great night of entertainment from popular local singer Danny King.
HAPPA’s Vickie Henderson explains: “I am very excited to celebrate such a prestigious event with all the Charity’s supporters, friends and the extended animal welfare community. The evening will be a celebration of success, an opportunity to put those glad rags on and have a thoroughly good time. There will be a three-course meal, entertainment, raffle and auction and of course the opportunity to thank and honour all those in the animal community as we present the Hoof and Hearts Awards. Dunkenhalgh Hotel have kindly offered all attendees discount on rooms, so guests will be able to make the most of a great night out.”
HAPPA is calling on local businesses, friends, supporters, nominees and their communities to join the celebration and help make the first Gala and Awards Evening a night to remember, one that champions every wagging tail, gentle neigh, loyal paw and determined rescuer.
Early bird tickets for this event can be purchased at the HAPPA website www.happa.org.uk or by calling 01282 455992.
HAPPA is also seeking sponsors to help make the evening a huge fundraising success. Every contribution will help support the Charity’s life-changing work for horses, ponies and the wider animal welfare community. To help, please contact Vickie at HAPPA on [email protected] 01282 455992.