At the Royal Jersey Showground, 16 amateur darts player will entertain 500 guests in an evening of fun, fancy dress and fundraising.

With less than one month to go, Express caught up with Mark Smith, who took part in the event last year, and Elliot Corbel, who is due to participate in this year’s ‘Flight Night’ on Saturday 19 October…

“The most fantastic experience”

Mark described last year’s fundraiser as “the most fantastic experience”. 

“From the off, a great bond formed between the players with much banter and laughs throughout the training process,” he said. 

“Flight Night really topped it off with a true ‘Ally Pally’ experience up at the showground.” 

Pictured: Mark Smith competed in last year's White Collar Darts in aid of Brighter Futures.

He explained that, prior to signing up for the event, he didn’t know much about Brighter Futures and the work that the charity does. 

But during the training process, participants were given the chance to visit The Bridge – where Brighter Futures is based – and gain an insight into the work the charity does with local families. 

“After seeing the valuable work they do, I was adamant that I was going to raise as much money as possible for the charity,” said Mark. 

“It was a bit nerve-wracking” 

Training took place twice a week, and Mark quickly got into the swing of things. 

“The coaches gave us some great advice and tips on the game – albeit I wasn't too impressed being told my darts were too light after spending £50 on a new set the week before training started!” he said. 

Pictured: Mark trained twice a week in preparation for the tournament

It wasn’t until Flight Night came round that the sheer size of the event hit home for Mark. 

“It was a bit nerve-wracking, but I remembered what one of the trainers had said about us being the entertainment and to make the entrance big,” he said. 

With his match not being until 21:00, Mark admitted that he had “possibly over indulged” beforehand and turned his one-minute entrance sequence into two. 

“My poor opponent was patiently waiting for me to stop showboating and actually play some darts!” he laughed. 

After winning his first game, Mark was through to the quarter finals. 

He said: “I won the first leg of the quarter final and celebrated on stage like I had won the whole thing, but came back down to earth quite quickly after getting thrashed in the next two legs.” 

“One of the greatest nights of my life” 

But despite missing out on a win, Mark said the White Collar Darts was a “wonderful experience”. 

Pictured: Last year's event raised over £20,000 for Brighter Futures

“It's given me what was one of the greatest nights of my life and through the whole event we all raised some much-needed cash for Brighter Futures,” he said. 

Mark urged islanders to buy tickets for this year’s event. 

“I can honestly say that I don’t think anything can touch it for laughs and sheer entertainment value,” he said. 

“It makes a fantastic corporate or team bonding event as well as a great night out for friends and family.” 

And he offered a few works of advice for those competing in October: “I think the main thing is have fun and enjoy it. 

“You will get significantly better during the training process and by the time it's the main event it will all have got a bit competitive.  

“Also you need to make the entrance big!” 

“I can't wait to get started” 

One of those set to be competing next month is Elliot Corbel, a 28-year-old sports reporter for Bailiwick Express and the Jersey Evening Post. 

Pictured: Elliot has started training for next month's 'Flight Night'

But Elliot is also keen to raise money for a good cause. 

“I have worked with young people my entire life and I know the benefits a charity like Brighter Futures offers them,” he said. 

“It's incredibly important that we have people like Brighter Futures out there to offer those in need the support and care they require.” 

At the time of writing, Elliot had just attended his first training session. 

He said: “It was good to get to meet everyone else taking part and the Jersey players who will be coaching us! 

“They're all so warm and friendly so I can't wait to get started properly.”