Raclette Fundraising Soirée
Schedule
Sat Feb 07 2026 at 06:30 pm to 11:30 pm
UTC+00:00Location
The Swiss Church in London | London, EN
About this Event
An Evening with the Door Ajar
The Swiss Church in London is more than a building. It is a threshold: between sacred and secular, homeland and exile, memory and the present day. For over two centuries, its doors have remained ajar, open to the displaced and the devout, to artists and dissidents, to those seeking language, refuge, silence, or simply a moment of stillness. A home for wanderers and strangers alike.
This soirée, held in its honour, is both a celebration and a gesture of gratitude. In the flicker of candlelight and the scent of melting cheese, guests will gather not only for music and wine but to pay tribute to a space that has held generations of Swiss presence in London. Rooted in tradition yet transcending nostalgia, the evening invites you to take part in something enduring: an act of shared generosity to keep this sanctuary and its door open to all who seek it, now and for generations to come.
To walk through the door of the Swiss Church is to enter a space shaped by quiet resilience. On the evening of Saturday 7 February 2026, we welcome you to help transform it into something more: a living gathering of those who carry its legacy forward. Whether drawn by raclette, music, conviviality or conviction, your presence affirms the continued life of this historic sanctuary.
Why this Event Matters
This special evening is more than a celebration of Swiss food and culture. Your presence helps to sustain a historic and inclusive space in the heart of Covent Garden. All proceeds directly support the Swiss Church’s community, cultural and artistic programmes, including a weekly breakfast and arts club for people experiencing homelessness, as well as exhibitions, concerts and creative events that are open to all.
What to Expect
This is a standing raclette soirée featuring traditional Swiss fare, live music throughout the evening (alphorn, accordion, and opera), and a convivial atmosphere for mingling, conversation and celebration.
Each guest will receive a served portion of raclette with classic Swiss accompaniments. A welcome drink and one drink token (redeemable for wine, beer or a soft drink) are included with each ticket, along with coffee and a piece of Swiss chocolate to conclude the meal. Supporter Tickets are also available for guests who wish to contribute further, and include an additional drink, a donor gift bag, and printed programme mention. Additional drink tokens, and Swiss Church memorabilia will be available for purchase on the night.
Dress code: Lounge suit or cocktail attire
Date: Saturday 7 February 2026
Venue: Swiss Church in London, 79 Endell Street, WC2H 9DY
Organised by: The Swiss Church in London, in partnership with the New Helvetic Society
The New Helvetic Society traces its earliest roots to the Swiss Church itself, and is honoured to return in support and celebration.
Supported by:
Emmi AG
Unione Ticinese
Embassy of Switzerland in the United Kingdom
Läderach
Please note: tickets include an Eventbrite fee. These are third party charges and are not retained by the organisers.
Agenda
🕑: 06:15 PM
Guest Arrival and Entry
Info: Doors open from 6:15PM. Upon arrival, guests will receive their event materials and may, throughout the evening, purchase additional raffle tickets, drink tokens, memorabilia, or make a donation.
🕑: 06:30 PM
Welcome Reception with Swiss Sparkling Wine and Alphorn
Host: Frances Jones
Info: Guests are welcomed with a glass of Swiss sparkling wine or a non-alcoholic alternative, accompanied by a live alphorn performance to open the evening in true Swiss style.
🕑: 06:50 PM
Opening Address
Info: From representatives of the Swiss Church in London and the New Helvetic Society.
🕑: 07:00 PM
Raclette Service Commences
Info: Traditional Swiss raclette served with classic accompaniments in a standing format, accompanied by live Schwyzerörgeli performance.
🕑: 07:15 PM
Schwyzerörgeli (Swiss Accordion)
Host: Aline Christ
Info: Live performance on the traditional Schwyzerörgeli to accompany the raclette service.
🕑: 09:00 PM
Swiss Chocolate and Coffee Served
Info: Guests are invited to enjoy coffee accompanied by a refined piece of Swiss chocolate.
🕑: 09:15 PM
Classical Performance
Host: Anaïs Manz
Info: An elegant concert of classical works by Swiss composers for voice and piano, marking the close of the meal.
🕑: 09:45 PM
Drinks, Dancing, and Conversation
Info: The church hall transforms into a space for dancing and conviviality. The bar remains open for additional drink purchases until 11:00PM.
🕑: 11:30 PM
Event Concludes
Info: Carriages and fond farewells
Where is it happening?
The Swiss Church in London, 79 Endell Street, London, United KingdomEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
GBP 0.00 to GBP 90.00
