There was a starry turnout for JW3’s biggest fundraising dinner since its launch four years ago. More than 200 guests from across the community enjoyed a special version of the north-west London centre’s “in conversation” series, with Michael Palin interviewed by David Schneider and Darcey Bussell quizzed by Samantha Simmonds.

CEO Raymond Simonson described JW3 as “a vision-driven organisation in a unique position to bring together people from different backgrounds, offering multiple entry points into Jewish life through the breadth, quality and creativity of our programme.” The sentiment was echoed by JW3 founder Dame Vivien Duffield in her closing remarks.

Outgoing centre chair Michael Goldstein reported that “during the course of 2017, over 200,000 people will have crossed the bridge into this building to experience Jewish life through a 21st-century lens, and 21st-century life through a Jewish lens.

“That’s 4,500 people each week engaging with the Jewish community through a proud, positive and visible institution, open and accessible to all. The impact of this is far greater than the 150 or so events, classes and activities that we put on every week.”

Dinner proceeds will go towards programming.