Just ahead of her epic Mersey swim on Saturday 1st August, to raise funds for Bay Tree Cookery Academy CIC’s landmark tenth Community Christmas Day Dinner, Merseyside Woman of the Year 2026, Michelle O’Dwyer has revealed the exciting new venue for this years event.
The tenth Community Christmas Day Dinner will be hosted at the Isla Gladstone Conservatory, nestled within the beautiful surroundings of Stanley Park, Liverpool.
This incredible venue has been generously gifted to the organisation by social entrepreneur and director Gemma McGowan, whose commitment to supporting people and communities across Merseyside is truly inspiring.
Michelle said: “When Gemma contacted me with the wonderful news, I could have cried. Every Community Christmas Dinner is special, but this year means so much more. We are celebrating 10 years of bringing people together on Christmas Day and delivering festive dinners to those who need them most, ensuring that everyone we support has a Christmas to remember.
“Over the past decade, what started as a simple act of kindness has grown into a much-loved community tradition. From serving meals to guests in our venues to delivering Christmas dinners to people who were unable to leave their homes, we have always believed that nobody should feel forgotten at Christmas.
“Reaching this milestone would not have been possible without the generosity of our volunteers, supporters, partners and local businesses who have stood beside us every step of the way. Your kindness, compassion and belief in our mission have helped us create thousands of moments of joy over the past ten years.
“Hosting our 10th anniversary celebration at the beautiful Isla Gladstone Conservatory feels incredibly fitting. It gives us the opportunity to create an unforgettable Christmas Day for those who need it most while celebrating everything our community has achieved together over the last decade.
“From the bottom of my heart, thank you to Gemma McGowan and everyone who continues to believe in our mission. Your generosity is helping us create a day filled with warmth, laughter, friendship and hope, ensuring that this milestone Christmas will be one to remember for people across Merseyside.”
You can sponsor Michelle for her fundraising swim here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/community-christmas-day-dinner-2026
