Taking place on Thursday 29 October 2026 at the brand-new City Hall within Medlock Square at the Etihad Campus, the Gala Dinner brought together fans, partners, former players, Club representatives and the wider Manchester City family.
Hosted by stand-up comedian, writer, actor, radio and television presenter, Jason Manford, who is also a lifelong Manchester City fan, the evening featured, exceptional hospitality, inspiring stores, live entertainment, and exclusive Manchester City experiences.
Two special Q&A’s saw appearances from Enzo Maresca and Hugo Viana, as well as Pablo Zabaleta, who all took the stage to discuss their City moments and memories with Jason.
Speaking after the event, City in the Community CEO, Mike Geary, said: “The Gala Dinner marks the first big moment in our year of celebration to mark 40 years of City in the Community.
“The evening has allowed us to showcase the important work from across 40 years of the charity, with fundraising activities throughout the night helping us to ensure City in the Community can continue to empower lives for generations to come.
“Involvement from Enzo, Hugo, Pablo and Jason has allowed us to elevate the event and reflects the how passionate the whole Manchester City family is about our charity, and we are grateful for their involvement and support on the night.
“I’d also like to express a huge thank you to all supporters who joined us on the evening, helping us to reach an incredible fundraising target.”
Throughout the evening, CITC also took the opportunity to celebrate some of the people and organisations who have made an incredible contribution to the charity’s work through three special awards, inspired by its core pillars: Healthy Futures, Healthy People and Healthy Communities.
Presented by former City defender Pablo Zabaleta, the Healthy Communities Award was awarded to Mark Davies in recognition of his two decades of unwavering support for CITC, helping to create a lasting impact on both participants and staff.
The Healthy People Award was then presented by Toni Duggan to Ravensbury Community Primary School. The school was recognised for its 15-year partnership with CITC, working together to support local children living in on the doorstep of the Etihad Stadium.
The evening’s final honour, the Healthy Futures Award, was presented by Nedum Onuoha to Mason Heaton, celebrating his inspiring journey with CITC and the positive future he has built for himself through one-to-one mentoring support.
Thank you to VTEX for supporting our 40 Years fundraising efforts, as our auction partner at our inaugural Gala Dinner.
Throughout the 2026/27 season, CITC is celebrating 40 years empowering healthier lives through football.
The ‘40 Years’ campaign will bring together fans, participants, partners and staff for a calendar of celebration activities, fundraising opportunities and enhanced storytelling.
To bolster the campaign, Manchester City will be matching all fan donations made to CITC pound-for-pound* throughout the 2026/27 season.
Supporters who want to play their part can also download CITC’s new fundraising pack, packed with ideas, inspiration and practical guidance to help individuals, groups and communities raise funds in celebration of ‘40 Years’.
Fans and the Greater Manchester community are also being encouraged to submit their City in the Community stories both past and present.
To find out more about ‘40 Years’, including how to donate and other ways to get involved, visit www.mancity.com/40Years
City in the Community empowers healthier lives through football.
To find out more, visit www.mancity.com/citc or follow @citcmancity on social media.
*Manchester City will match donations made to Manchester City F.C. City in the Community (registered charity no. 1139229) during the period of 05 September 2026 to 31 May 2027 up to a maximum of £200,000 in total. All funds raised will help to sustain the charity’s programmes, which empower healthier lives with city youth through football.
