For the first time, all the tickets were snapped up three weeks before the big day.

Orange’s RMHC executive officer Rebecca Walsh said it was the first time 350 tickets had sold out that quickly.

“This ball has been immensely popular, we’ve had a lot of support from our major sponsors, sponsors and guests who return year after year,” Ms Walsh said. 

As well as returning supporters, Ms Walsh said there several new businesses supporting the event.

“The popularity of the ball is growing year after year and that’s because we have a hard working committee, we have wonderful celebrity chefs who put together an amazing menu, wonderful local produce and wines and great entertainment.”

While friends will re-unite on the dance floor for the ball – it won’t just be the guests having a good time.

Behind the scenes, chefs Darren Tracey and Stacey Ewin and Daniel Hughes are “getting the band back together”

When Mr Tracey first came to Australia, his first job was with Stacey – now his wife, and Mr Hughes.

Mr Tracey and Ms Ewin run Millthorpe’s Old Mill Cafe and the Sugar Mill Cafe – Mr Hughes has been running Manta Restaurant, on Woolloomooloo’s waterfront.

Mr Hughes came down to Orange earlier this month to learn the layout of the kitchen.

“I want to bring a touch of Woolloomooloo to Orange,” Mr Hughes said.

“It’s going to be fun, these sorts of event are always a lot of fun.”

Mr Hughes has taken inspiration from Manta’s menus – and has planned dishes including blue-eyed cod and braised beef cheeks.

“The menu is complete now, we’re just working out how to deliver it,” he said.

Mr Tracey said Ms Ewin and himself had developed a delicious dessert – which would be revealed on the night.

“We’re under pressure for 90 minutes in the kitchen, it’s the easy part compared to organising the whole event,” he said.

It’s the third year Mr Tracey and Ms Ewin have been donating their time to help the event.

“[The hospital] is a great thing for Orange to have, not just the RMHC, but the whole hospital and all the associated services,” Mr Tracey said.

“It’s phenomenal, we’re of the belief if there’s a service like that, we should be getting behind it and supporting it as much as we can.”