A host of Town legends are set to gather for a black-tie gala evening celebrating the life of Kevin Beattie on Friday 17th May raising money for the statue in his honour, with a limited number of tickets now on sale to the public.

The event at Greshams in Tuddenham Road, Ipswich, is the biggest fundraiser so far for The Beat Goes On, the appeal raising cash for the statue, which has now surpassed the £50,000 mark.

Among the former Blues confirmed as attending the event are Terry Butcher, Frans Thijssen, Russell Osman, George Burley and Simon Milton.

BBC Radio Suffolk’s Mark Murphy will be hosting, while the former Town stars and also club officials will share stories and anecdotes on stage.

Mark Calver, Greshams owner and a committee member, said: “We are proud and delighted to host this amazing night to celebrate the life of Ipswich Town’s greatest ever player.

“Kevin Beattie was an inspiration, a wonderful footballer and someone who made the town his own after arriving here as a 15-year-old.

“At Greshams we have the facilities, staff and experience to make this a night to remember for all the right reasons.

“We will welcome in excess of 250 people to our Willow suite which will be turned into a football stadium for the night.

"There will be surprises, fun, laughter and tears on what is sure to be a very emotional night.”

Mick Parker, who is organising the event, added: “We are honoured that Kevin’s family, led by Kevin’s wife Margaret, will be with us and the majority of Kevin’s team-mates will be with us to recall those halcyon days with lots of interviews, video material and images.

“Of course, the purpose of the evening is to raise funds for the statue of Kevin, all profits from the evening will go directly to the appeal funds.”

A key element of the night will be the Grand Auction, featuring money-can’t-buy prizes and memorabilia. There will also be an Internet-based Silent Auction with bids made throughout the evening by those not at the event.

Calver continued: “We all have our memories of Kevin, and this evening will be a unique opportunity to bring together that wonderful squad that competed so brilliantly in bringing home the FA and UEFA cups.

“There probably won’t ever be another opportunity like this to be part of an incredible evening, full of emotion and celebration.

"I would urge any Ipswich supporter to be part of something very, very special.”

“We have fewer than 50 tickets left. Come and enjoy a wonderful meal, in great company at an event we’re never likely to see the like of again.”

Tickets, which can be bought from Greshams, cost £100 and include a three-course meal.

Led by the EADT and Ipswich Star in conjunction with BBC Radio Suffolk and TWTD, The Beat Goes On campaign was launched on December 18th last year on what would have been Beattie’s 65th birthday.

The current target is £110,000, although it is hoped that figure will be reduced as the campaign progresses, with £50,000 now having been raised.

Blues season ticket holder Sean Hedges-Quinn, known as Coach, will sculp the statue having been the man responsible for the Sir Alf Ramsey and Sir Bobby Robson statues at Portman Road.

You can make a donation online via the Go Fund Me page or send a cheque made payable to ‘The Beat Goes On’ to Kevin Beattie Statue Appeal, EADT, Portman House, 120 Princes Street, Ipswich, IP1 1RS.

There are also collection buckets at reception at the EADT’s offices and at BBC Radio Suffolk and in the FanZone on matchdays.

Photos: Contributed

ArnieM added 09:26 - Apr 30 The Beat: His eyes, they shine like diamonds They called him the King of the land And there stood Kevin Beattie Born with the Cup in his hands.
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Bluearmy_81 added 19:05 - Apr 30 Club should have paid for it outright. Sums the club up currently, disgraceful
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PinstripeBlue added 20:43 - Apr 30 Sorry Bluearmy, I do not agree. Of course the club could pay, and it would be ME's money. This is our money and our statue. Whoever will be the owner moving forward, this will be ours.
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