Manchester City's charity, City in the Community (CITC), recently hosted its hugely successful inaugural Gala Dinner

The event was held on Thursday 29 October at the brand-new City Hall within Medlock Square at the Etihad Campus, with supporters present for an insightful and fun filled evening. 

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. 

You can view 40 of the best moments from the night below.

A man in a black tuxedo speaks at a podium on a stage during a formal event. The audience is seated at tables in a dimly lit venue with decorative lighting and a disco ball above.
A group of men in suits having a conversation at a business event in a dimly lit room.
A person holding an award in front of a large screen with partial text 'school'.
An event celebrating 'City in the Community' 40 years with two speakers on stage and audience at Manchester City's venue.
A man in a suit looks up towards a stage, with neon blue lights and a blurred background sign reading 'RightNow'.
A large audience at a formal dinner event featuring a presentation on stage with VTEX and Oasis Silver Dinner signage. Guests are seated at tables with drinks and meals, watching the stage.
Two people, a man and a woman, in formal black attire, holding something above their heads on a stage with blue lights and reflections.
Four men in formal attire at an award ceremony, holding a trophy together.
A group of five people in formal attire posing with an award in front of a large screen displaying a Manchester City jersey.
Three men in a discussion near a Manchester City badge history display.
Two men in suits are engaged in a conversation on stage. One is speaking into a microphone with an expressive gesture, while the other is listening attentively.
Two men laughing on a stage at an event, wearing formal attire with poppy badges.
A singer performing on stage with a microphone, a digital screen in the background shows people holding footballs. The setting is indoors with bright vertical lights.
Two people in suits on a stage engaging in a conference interview, with one holding a microphone.
A man in a black, sequined tuxedo with a bow tie stands in a dimly lit restaurant with blue lighting, tables, and chairs in the background.
A man in a tuxedo stands at a formal event with blue lighting.
Group of people in suits and formal attire engaged in conversation at a bar event with a photographer taking pictures.
Three individuals are seated on a stage during a conference or panel discussion. They are engaged in conversation and hold microphones. The backdrop features blue lighting and branding with a circular logo.
Two people on stage at a Manchester City 'City in the Community' 40th Anniversary Gala Dinner event.
A man in a black tuxedo stands at a podium speaking into a microphone. The background features blue vertical light bars.
Two men shaking hands in front of a Manchester City backdrop, one wearing a green sweater and the other in a formal suit.
Three men in formal attire stand together holding an award. Behind them is a screen with the text 'Mason Heate'.
An elegantly decorated stage at a gala dinner with tables set for guests, under blue lighting.
A man in a suit stands on stage with a microphone, gesturing towards a large screen displaying 'Jason Manford'. The setting appears to be a formal event.
A group of people dressed in formal attire are gathered at an indoor social event, holding drinks and engaging in conversation.
Three men in formal attire, two wearing tuxedos, engaged in a discussion at a bar with hanging glasses.
A person wearing glasses and a microphone headset is speaking, with a side profile view against a dark blue background.
Chefs are working and smiling in a professional kitchen setting. Numerous plates with salmon dishes are ready to be served.
Two individuals dressed formally standing in front of Manchester City logo backdrop.
A man in formal attire stands on stage under bright lights, holding his head with both hands. He wears a tuxedo and bow tie. Another person is partially visible in the foreground.
Four men in formal attire standing in front of a Manchester City logo backdrop at a formal event, holding drinks.
A group of people posing at an event with the Manchester City logo in the background.
Two women in formal attire standing in front of the Manchester City logo with 'City in the Community' text.
Two people posing in formal attire at a Manchester City event with a club logo background.
A couple dressed formally, standing together in front of a Manchester City logo backdrop.
A singer performs at a formal event, holding a microphone, while the audience in suits and dresses socializes in the background.
A person in formal attire speaks at a podium during an event. The backdrop is blue with decorative patterns and partially visible text.
Large event at a venue with signage showing 'VTEX Private Box x4 with Pablo Zabaleta'. Crowded seating, screens displaying the same message.

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. 

SHARE YOUR STORY HERE

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.Â