Purple Curry Night Polio Fight Tameside, 2026 

Key Points

• Tameside Rotary is hosting a “Wear Purple” Curry Evening to raise funds for the global fight to eradicate polio.
• Event date: Tuesday, 24 March 2026, from 7pm to 9pm.
• Venue: Sheikh’s Restaurant, St Alban’s Avenue, Ashton-under-Lyne, opposite Ashton Rugby Club (OL6 8TU).
• Guests enjoy a three-course curry meal for £30 per person, including entertainment by Northern comedy folk performer Rob Mason.
• Purple theme symbolises the dye used in vaccination programmes to mark immunised children and prevent duplicate doses.
• Funds support Rotary International’s End Polio Now campaign, which has reduced polio cases by 99.9% since the 1980s (from over 350,000 paralysed children yearly to just 12 cases in 2017).
• Warning: Without full eradication, up to 200,000 new cases could emerge annually within a decade.
• Booking essential via email (info@tamesiderotary.onmicrosoft.com) or Tameside Rotary Facebook page.
• Tameside Rotary comprises local volunteers supporting community projects and international causes.
• Similar past events: Curry Night at Blue Spice Restaurant in 2017 (£17.50, contact Cliff Hall); Candolim Restaurant in Stalybridge on 30 October 2025.
• Rotary’s Purple4Polio campaign encourages purple-themed events like food, clothing, decorations.
• Global context: Rotary partners aim to finish eradicating polio, down from 1,000 daily cases in 1985.

Tameside (Manchester Mirror) March 27, 2026 – Tameside Rotary has organised a vibrant “Wear Purple” Curry Evening at Sheikh’s Restaurant in Ashton-under-Lyne to bolster the global End Polio Now campaign, inviting locals to dine and donate towards eradicating the disease. The event, set for Tuesday, 24 March 2026, promises a three-course meal, live entertainment, and a purple-dressed crowd united for a cause that has slashed polio cases by 99.9 per cent worldwide. Tickets at £30 each are selling fast, with bookings urged via email or Facebook.

What is Tameside Rotary Organising?

Tameside Rotary, a dedicated group of local volunteers, is spearheading a social fundraising evening themed “Wear Purple” to aid the fight against polio. As reported in the Tameside Correspondent, the club is inviting folk to don something purple and enjoy a curry night in support of Rotary International’s global efforts.

The event underscores the club’s commitment to both community projects and international charitable causes, as highlighted on their official channels. Past initiatives, such as distributing small cash grants to over 25 local groups last year, demonstrate their ongoing impact.

This curry night builds on Rotary’s tradition of themed fundraisers, aligning with the Purple4Polio campaign that promotes purple elements in clothing, food, and decorations.

When and Where is the Curry Night?

The Wear Purple Curry Evening is scheduled for Tuesday, 24 March 2026, running from 7pm to 9pm. According to the Rotary RIBI clubs page, it will be held at Sheikh’s Restaurant, Ashton, OL6 8TU – specifically on St Alban’s Avenue, opposite Ashton Rugby Club.

This venue choice echoes previous events, like the 2017 Curry Night at Blue Spice Restaurant, 156 St Albans Ave (also opposite the rugby club), which supported End Polio Now at £17.50 per ticket – bookings via restaurant on 0161 330 4900 or Cliff Hall.

The Tameside Correspondent confirms the location’s suitability for a lively gathering focused on fundraising through enjoyable dining.

What Does the Event Offer Attendees?

Guests will savour a three-course curry meal, with entertainment courtesy of Northern comedy folk performer Rob Mason. As detailed by Tameside Correspondent staff, this setup combines culinary delight with humour to maximise enjoyment and donations.

The £30 ticket price covers the full meal, making it an accessible way to contribute. Attendees are encouraged to wear purple, reflecting the vaccination marker dye used globally to indicate immunised children and avoid repeats.

Such features have proven successful in prior Rotary events, fostering community spirit while advancing the polio eradication goal.

Why Focus on Ending Polio in 2026?

Rotary International’s End Polio Now campaign seeks total worldwide eradication, a mission Tameside Rotary actively champions. In the late 1980s, over 350,000 children were paralysed annually; by 2017, cases dropped to just 12 globally – a 99.9 per cent reduction thanks to Rotary and partners.

Campaigners caution that incomplete efforts could lead to 200,000 new cases yearly within a decade, per Tameside Correspondent reporting. The 1985 baseline of 1,000 daily cases highlights the progress at stake.

Tameside’s event ties into broader Rotary activities, like World Polio Day observances and regional fundraisers, emphasising urgency in 2026.

How Has Rotary Reduced Polio Cases?

Rotary’s partnerships have driven vaccination drives, slashing infections dramatically. From 350,000+ paralysed children in the 1980s to near-elimination today, their work is pivotal.

The purple dye symbol, central to the event, prevents duplicate vaccinations during mass campaigns. Tameside Correspondent notes this as a key recognition element for guests.

Historical events like the 2017 Blue Spice fundraiser and 2025 Candolim Curry Night show consistent local support for this global triumph.

How Can You Book Tickets?

Booking is essential; email info@tamesiderotary.onmicrosoft.com or message the Tameside Rotary Facebook page, as advised by the Tameside Correspondent.

For the 2017 event, contacts included the restaurant (0161 330 4900) or Cliff Hall, illustrating reliable methods.

Prompt action ensures participation in this sold-out potential gathering of 40+ like recent efforts that raised £234.

What is the Purple Theme’s Significance?

The purple motif stems from the dye applied to fingers post-vaccination, symbolising protection. Tameside Rotary urges wearing purple to honour this, per their announcements.

Purple4Polio extends to menu items and decor, enhancing event cohesion as per Rotary guidelines.

This theme has featured in prior Tameside events, boosting awareness and funds effectively.

Who is Performing at the Event?

Northern comedy folk performer Rob Mason provides entertainment, blending laughs with music for an engaging night. The Tameside Correspondent spotlighted his role to draw crowds.

Such acts elevate fundraisers, as seen in regional Rotary gatherings hosted by Tameside.

How Does This Fit Rotary’s Broader Work?

Tameside Rotary supports local and global causes, from grants to 25+ groups to polio fights. Their Facebook notes recent successes like £234 raised from 40 attendees.

Similar curry nights, like Stalybridge’s 2025 event, channel proceeds directly to End Polio Now.

This 2026 initiative reinforces their volunteer-driven mission in Greater Manchester.

What Challenges Remain in Polio Eradication?

Despite vast progress, vigilance is needed to prevent resurgence. Experts warn of potential explosion without total wipeout, as covered extensively.

Tameside’s fundraiser plays a crucial role in sustaining momentum towards certification of a polio-free world.