Despite being engaged to perform before Royalty on July 21st 1909, Bert went ahead with the Benefit Concert to raise money for the children of London’s East End five days earlier.

Bert’s benefit had a dual purpose – raise money for the waifs of the East End to have a day in the country with food and also to promote American artists who were on the whole struggling in London. (more on this to come)

The paying guests to the Benefit included –