Mayor invites businesses to ‘Dine in the Dark’
17 August 2026
The Mayor of Derry and Strabane is inviting businesses to support a unique and thought provoking charity event taking place this autumn
The Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Councillor Grace Uí Niallais, is inviting businesses across the City and District to support a unique and thought‑provoking charity event taking place this autumn in aid of the Mayor’s Charity, HIVE Cancer Support.
The ‘Dine in the Dark’ evening will be held on Thursday 8th October in the historic Guildhall, Derry, marking World Sight Day 2026. The event aims to raise vital funds while offering participants a meaningful insight into the lived experience of people with sight loss.
Guests will enjoy a three‑course meal while wearing blindfolds during dinner service, an immersive awareness activity designed to deepen understanding of sight impairment in a safe and supportive environment. Following dinner, guests can relax and enjoy entertainment throughout the evening in the iconic venue.
Encouraging local businesses to get involved, Mayor Uí Niallais said the event offered an opportunity to gain new understanding about sight loss, helping to promote positive change.
“Dine in the Dark is more than a fundraising event,” she stressed. “It’s an experience that challenges perceptions and builds empathy.
“I’m encouraging businesses across our District to take part, not only to support Hive Cancer Support and RNIB, but to give their staff a unique opportunity to understand the daily realities faced by those living with sight loss. Together, we can shine a light on inclusion while making a real difference for local families.”
Robert Shilliday, Country Director for RNIB in Northern Ireland, said: “At RNIB NI, we welcome the enthusiasm shown by the Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Grace Uí Niallais, in hosting this Dining in the Dark event, particularly on World Sight Day 2026. Once again, I congratulate RNIB campaigning superstar Rory McCartney for his endless determination and energy in championing the work of RNIB in the Northwest.
“Of course, eating is one thing we all do so, for guests to enjoy a meal without their sense of sight, presents an opportunity to step outside their comfort zone and learn. To experience an everyday task in a very different way. They might worry about missing their mouth with their food or creating mess or spillages. But this is why we really value this kind of engagement event. It gets people talking and if people are talking about sight loss, then they are a step closer to understanding what needs to change in our society to prevent avoidable sight loss and to remove barriers for blind and partially sighted people.
“RNIB estimates that in the DCSD Council area there are 4,355 people living with sight loss and in Northern Ireland, it is estimated that there are now 62,386 people living with sight loss that impacts daily life. But the reality is that half of all sight loss is avoidable. World Sight Day is an opportunity to actively think about sight loss differently, to emphasise the importance of having our eyes tested regularly and highlighting ways that we can all work together to improve the quality of life for people who are blind or partially sighted.”
Maureen Collins, Project Manager at Hive Cancer Support, said: "We are delighted to be the Mayor of Derry City and Strabane's chosen charity this year.
"This very special dinner will not only raise awareness of the invaluable work of the RNIB but also provides much-needed support for Hive Cancer Support.
"Partnerships like this demonstrate the power of communities coming together to champion local charities, raise awareness of the challenges people face, and ensure vital services remain available to those who need them most.
"It will be a really memorable evening that celebrates compassion, inclusion and community spirit, while making a real difference."
The benefits of the evening will include raising awareness of sight impairment among staff and promoting a more inclusive workplace culture, as well as enhancing team development through a unique shared learning experience.
Tickets for the event, which takes place at 7pm on Thursday October 8th in the Guildhall are now available to buy, costing £50 per person or £500 per table of ten, with all proceeds going to Hive Cancer Support.
Businesses are encouraged to purchase a table and invite staff to participate as part of workplace inclusion and awareness training. Individuals will also have the opportunity to donate directly to RNIB on the night. As places are limited, early booking for the event is advised.
To book go to - www.derrystrabane.com/MayorsCharity For more information contact [email protected]
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