Jamie George Headlines the 2026 Midlands Sporting Luncheon
The 36th Annual Midlands Sporting Luncheon continues its tradition of welcoming leading figures from the world of rugby, with Jamie George confirmed as this year’s Guest of Honour.
The experienced Saracens hooker has enjoyed an outstanding career since making his England debut in 2015, representing his country on more than 100 occasions and being appointed national team captain in 2024.
George helped England win three Six Nations titles, including the 2016 Grand Slam, and was part of the side that reached the 2019 Rugby World Cup Final against South Africa. He also featured in England’s run to the semi-finals of the 2023 tournament.
His international achievements include selection for three British & Irish Lions tours, travelling to New Zealand in 2017, South Africa in 2021 and Australia in 2025. During the 2017 tour, George started all three Tests against the All Blacks as the Lions secured a memorable drawn series.
At club level, he has spent his entire senior career with Saracens, helping the North London side secure six Premiership titles and three European Champions Cups.
Having announced his intention to retire from professional rugby following the 2026/27 season, George is approaching the final stages of a remarkable career that has seen him become one of England’s most experienced forwards.
Guests at the 2026 Midlands Sporting Luncheon will have the opportunity to hear George discuss his experiences representing England, touring with the British & Irish Lions and competing at the highest level of European club rugby.
Tim Stimpson Returns as Master of Ceremonies
Former England and British & Irish Lions international Tim Stimpson will once again return as Master of Ceremonies for the 36th Annual Midlands Sporting Luncheon.
The former Leicester Tigers full-back earned 19 England caps and was part of the successful British & Irish Lions tour of South Africa in 1997. His playing career also included multiple domestic and European honours with Leicester Tigers.
Stimpson will lead the conversation with Jamie George, exploring the highs and lows of his playing career, his experiences captaining England and some of the memorable occasions from his international rugby career.
With two accomplished English rugby internationals sharing the stage, guests can look forward to fascinating stories, insight and plenty of rugby discussion throughout the afternoon.
Aaron James Confirmed as After-Dinner Comedian
Completing our 2026 line-up is Aaron James, one of the UK’s leading mainstream comedians, impressionists and sporting entertainers.
With almost three decades of experience, Aaron has performed at major sporting events and corporate occasions across the world, earning a reputation as an entertaining host, presenter and auctioneer.
His career includes hosting three world title boxing events in Las Vegas, including the famous encounter between Ricky Hatton and Floyd Mayweather. He has also shared the stage with boxing personalities Lennox Lewis and Michael Buffer, while providing entertainment at major football events, UEFA Champions League finals and FIFA World Cup occasions.
Aaron has also entertained rugby crowds at Twickenham during Six Nations and Autumn International fixtures, alongside appearances at corporate golf events for leading international brands.
His television and radio appearances include Channel 4’s The Big Breakfast, Friday Night with Jonathan Ross, BBC Radio 2, talkSPORT and BBC Radio 5 Live.
Aaron will provide the after-dinner comedy at this year’s Midlands Sporting Luncheon, bringing the afternoon’s entertainment to a close.
Supporting Prostate Cancer UK at the 2026 Midlands Sporting Luncheon
Fundraising remains an important part of the Annual Midlands Sporting Luncheon, with guests having the opportunity to support charitable causes while enjoying an afternoon of entertainment.
At the 2025 event, fundraising activities helped raise £6,000 for Prostate Cancer UK, with a further £4,000 donated to the My Name’5 Doddie Weir Foundation.
In 2026, Prostate Cancer UK will once again benefit from the event’s fundraising activities, including the popular Heads or Tails game and live and silent auctions.
The 36th Annual Midlands Sporting Luncheon will continue this tradition, combining corporate hospitality with the opportunity to support an important charitable cause.
Register Your Interest in Midlands Sporting Luncheon 2026 Hospitality
The 36th Annual Midlands Sporting Luncheon takes place on Wednesday 9th December 2026, at the Macdonald Burlington Hotel in Birmingham.
With former England captain Jamie George confirmed as Guest of Honour, Tim Stimpson returning as Master of Ceremonies and Aaron James providing the comedy entertainment, this year’s luncheon offers an excellent opportunity to enjoy an afternoon of rugby insight, fine dining and festive hospitality.
To discuss availability and seating arrangements, register your interest using the enquiry form below or contact Eventmasters directly on 0121 233 6500.
Register Your Interest
36th Annual Midlands Sporting Luncheon 2026 FAQs
When and where will the 2026 Midlands Sporting Luncheon take place?The 36th Annual Midlands Sporting Luncheon will take place on Wednesday 9th December 2026, at the Macdonald Burlington Hotel in Birmingham City Centre. The hotel is located opposite Birmingham New Street Station, providing convenient transport connections for guests attending from across the region.
Who is the Guest of Honour at the 2026 Midlands Sporting Luncheon?
Former England rugby captain and British & Irish Lions international Jamie George has been confirmed as the Guest of Honour for the 36th Annual Midlands Sporting Luncheon. The experienced Saracens hooker has earned more than 100 international caps for England and represented the British & Irish Lions on three tours. Guests will have the opportunity to hear about his experiences playing at the highest level of international and club rugby.
Who will join Jamie George at the 2026 Midlands Sporting Luncheon?
Former England and British & Irish Lions international Tim Stimpson will return as Master of Ceremonies, leading the discussion with Jamie George. Acclaimed comedian and impressionist Aaron James will also be in attendance, providing the after-dinner entertainment for the 36th Annual Midlands Sporting Luncheon.
Who is the comedian at the 2026 Midlands Sporting Luncheon?
Aaron James has been confirmed as the after-dinner comedian for the 36th Annual Midlands Sporting Luncheon. An experienced performer, impressionist and presenter, James has entertained audiences at major sporting events across the world, including international rugby fixtures, world title boxing contests and leading football occasions.
What is included in the Horton Suite Hospitality Package?
Eventmasters’ Horton Suite Hospitality Package includes a four-course luncheon, rugby insight from Jamie George and Tim Stimpson, comedy entertainment from Aaron James, Heads or Tails, a limited live auction and a silent auction in aid of Prostate Cancer UK. A cash bar will also be available, while private tables can be arranged for parties of 8, 10 or 12 guests.
Are private tables available for the Midlands Sporting Luncheon?
Yes, private tables are available for groups of 8, 10 or 12 guests in the Horton Suite. Parties of eight will be seated towards the rear of the suite, while smaller groups will be accommodated on shared tables. The minimum booking is for two guests.
What is on the menu at the 2026 Midlands Sporting Luncheon?
Guests will enjoy a four-course luncheon as part of their Horton Suite Hospitality Package. The menu from the 2025 event included chicken liver parfait, Scottish beef sirloin, chocolate and orange cheesecake, and a cheese and biscuit platter. This is provided as an example of the dining experience, with the final 2026 menu subject to confirmation.
Is there a dress code for the Midlands Sporting Luncheon?
There is no formal dress code for the Annual Midlands Sporting Luncheon, although smart attire is encouraged. Guests attending as part of a corporate Christmas party or client hospitality event may wish to dress accordingly.
Which charity will benefit from the 2026 Midlands Sporting Luncheon?
Prostate Cancer UK will be the nominated charity for the 2026 Midlands Sporting Luncheon. Guests will have the opportunity to support fundraising activities throughout the afternoon, including Heads or Tails and the live and silent auctions. At the 2025 luncheon, £6,000 was raised for Prostate Cancer UK and a further £4,000 for the My Name’5 Doddie Weir Foundation.
How can I enquire about hospitality for the 2026 Midlands Sporting Luncheon?
You can register your interest in the 36th Annual Midlands Sporting Luncheon by completing the enquiry form on this page or contacting Eventmasters directly on 0121 233 6500. Our dedicated hospitality team will be happy to discuss the Horton Suite Package, availability and seating arrangements.
