The Ballroom of Mars: Towards the Stars

The Marc Bolan School of Music and Film Charity Ball

Join us for an unforgettable evening of music, fine dining and hope in support of the Marc Bolan School of Music and Film in Makeni, Sierra Leone.

Created from Gloria Jones and Rolan Bolan’s vision of building a living legacy for Marc Bolan, the school provides free music and film education to underprivileged young people.

Its story began in the aftermath of Sierra Leone’s civil war, when children faced extreme poverty, displacement and trauma. Some had been orphaned, forced to work in diamond mines or exploited as child soldiers. The project offered them safety, education and a positive path forward—using music to restore confidence, purpose and hope.

The Light of Love Foundation, registered charity, was formally established in 2015 to support the school and secure its future.

Creating Opportunity Through Music and Education

The Marc Bolan School of Music and Film gives young people a safe and inspiring environment in which to learn, express themselves and discover their abilities.

Through music, song-writing, performance, recording and filmmaking, pupils gain creative and practical skills while developing confidence, self-belief and a stronger sense of direction.

The school does more than teach—it helps protect young people from the dangers of poverty, exploitation and lack of opportunity, giving them the tools to create brighter futures.

Building the Next Chapter

Proceeds from The Ballroom of Mars: Towards the Stars will help expand the school’s facilities and welcome more pupils.

Plans include:

• A new wing for the school library
• Additional classrooms and teaching spaces
• Improved facilities for music and film education

Every ticket purchased will help create the next chapter of the school’s story and give more children a secure place in which to learn, create and thrive.

A Concert for the Children

The evening will feature performances by:

• Paul Simonon, iconic bassist and founding member of The Clash
• Lenny Zakatek, former lead singer of Gonzalez and celebrated vocalist with The Alan Parsons Project
• Gloria Jones, the Motown sensation and the Queen of Northern Soul, singer of legendary Tainted Love
• Further special guests

Together, they will celebrate music’s extraordinary power to safeguard, inspire and transform young lives.

Dinner Above London

Guests will enjoy a magnificent three-course dinner at The Skyline London, with panoramic views of Tower Bridge, the Tower of London and the River Thames.

Combining live music, elegant dining and an important cause, The Ballroom of Mars: Towards the Stars promises to be a truly memorable evening.

Event Details

Date: Thursday, 15 October 2026
Time: 6:00 p.m.–11:00 p.m.
Venue: The Skyline London at Tower Suites
Address: 100 Minories, London EC3N 1JY
Dress code: Black tie
Tickets: £115 per person
Includes: Three-course dinner and live concert

Honour Marc Bolan’s legacy. Create new opportunities for the children of Makeni. Help build the school’s next chapter.

Reserve your place and join us as we journey from the Ballroom of Mars towards the stars.