In pictures: Popular Burnley businessman planning annual charity bash after 900 guests help celebrate his landmark birthday

A popular and well known businessman, who hosted a party for 900 guests to celebrate his 50th birthday, is planning to make it an annual event.
Birthday boy Gary Scully celebrates at his 50th birthday bash with lifelong pals Kirsti Tattersall (left) and Sarah Maylor.Birthday boy Gary Scully celebrates at his 50th birthday bash with lifelong pals Kirsti Tattersall (left) and Sarah Maylor.
Birthday boy Gary Scully celebrates at his 50th birthday bash with lifelong pals Kirsti Tattersall (left) and Sarah Maylor.

The massive celebration, organised by Burnley construction company owner, Gary Scully, was such a fantastic night he wanted to do it all again.

So big hearted Gary, affectionately known simply as Scully, is thinking of staging another bash next year to raise money for charity.

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Gary said: "I booked my party three years ago and on the night it all went like clockwork, everything was perfect, I didn't want it to end.

Gary Scully celebrates at his party with Melanie Machell.Gary Scully celebrates at his party with Melanie Machell.
Gary Scully celebrates at his party with Melanie Machell.

"Everyone was saying what a fantastic opportunity it was to bring so many people together and at first I thought well I can't do this every year but then I thought about running it as a big charity event with the potential to raise thousands of pounds."

Generous Gary and his wife, Vicky, organised a raffle at his party which they hope will have raised around £350 for Pendleside Hospice.

Social media was flooded with hundreds of pictures from the night, which included entertainment by 12 piece band Stax of Soul, Andy Brown as Elvis and a flashmob dance performed by Gary and his 13-year-old daughter, Daisy.

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Around 40 other guests joined in the surprise routine that was specially choregraphed by Sanderson's Dance Studio in Nelson.

Gary gets into full party mode with two guests.Gary gets into full party mode with two guests.
Gary gets into full party mode with two guests.

Family and friends came from across the UK and also Spain and France for the event.

Among the hundreds of cards and gifts was a mounted axe presented to Gary from Lancashire Fire Brigade with a plaque thanking him for his friendship to the service.

Gary said: "I could not believe my eyes when they presented me with it.

"I have helped with fundraising and I know a lot of the firefighters so to receive this was an absolute honour."