THE elegant surroundings of the Tontine Hotel’s Adam Room will be filled with the stylish sounds of the Gerard Dott Trio later this month as discerning customers enjoy a glass of fizz, an indulgent afternoon tea and more than a few surprises.

Promising a deliciously indulgent afternoon, French Fancies with Fizz is the next in a series of events designed to raise funds for the Eastgate Theatre Development Project – with the landmark Tontine Hotel the latest organisation to lend its support to those plans.

“The Eastgate Theatre is such an asset to the town and wider area, so we are delighted to support its exciting and ambitious development plans,” said Kate Innes, owner of the Tontine Hotel.

“Our afternoon teas are always popular, but this will truly be a tea with a few extra twists.”

Those twists include support from a dozen local businesses that have each donated a magnificent object or experience for a silent auction during the event.

The range of donations reflect the wealth of great things to see and do in and around Peebles – from a Go Ape experience for two and a private guided tour of Dawyck Botanic Garden to a masterclass at Cocoa Black’s Chocolate and Pastry School.

Throw in the likes of a pudding lover’s dinner party from outside caterer Hyndberry, 1:1 Pilates, physio and massage sessions from The Health Rooms and Peebles Physio, plus a mountain bike course from Swift Trails and there is something for every possible interest.

All proceeds from the event will go towards the £50,000 that the community has to raise to help lever investment of more than £1.5million into Peebles to develop and extend the theatre to plans designed by local architect Simpson & Brown.

Now the busiest independent arts venue in the Scottish Borders, the Eastgate has enjoyed a period of unprecedented growth in recent years with more than 50,000 people now coming through its doors each year.

With such strong demand putting increasing pressure on the current building, the theatre aims to increase access to and participation in its activities by creating facilities that can better meet the needs of the growing population of Peebles and surrounding area.

The French Fancies with Fizz event takes place on Sunday, April 29 from 3pm to 5pm.

Tickets £15, available from Box Office on 01721 725777, online at www.eastgatearts.com, or from reception at the Tontine Hotel.