A Progressive Labour Party fundraising event will have more local supporters than from overseas, according to the party's Chairman.

Ticket holders to the Premier's Gala reception and black tie ball on Saturday evening will enjoy Grammy Award winning artists Ashford and Simpson, who were in South Africa last week performing at the opening of Oprah's $40 million Leadership Academy for Girls, outside Johannesburg.

The fundraising event is being held in honour of PLP leader and Premier Dr. Ewart Brown and is the most ambitious political fundraiser the Island has seen.

The four day event begins on Friday and has been advertised locally and overseas.

New PLP Chairman David Burt would not say how many overseas supporters and companies have purchased tickets or packages to the event.

He explained that the party did not reveal financial details about its fundraisers or the people who make contributions, something the UBP does not do either.

He said: "There will be more local supporters at the events than foreign supporters."

Four packages are being advertised on the PLP website, the most expensive is the $25,000 platinum package.

The package gets the holder ten VIP tickets to Friday's concert featuring local acts and international artist Ginuwine, ten tickets to Saturday's gala reception and black tie ball, which will feature Ashford and Simpson.

Platinum ticket holders will also get two tickets for a golf tournament or lunch for two at "First Lady Wanda's Luncheon" as well as two tickets for a 'special surprise event' with the Premier, one seat at the 'Leader's Roundtable Breakfast' hosted by the Premier and photo opportunities with Dr. Brown.

Gold packages, priced at $10,000, get fewer tickets for the same events while those paying $1,000 for the silver package get one ticket to the Premier's gala reception plus a ticket for the black tie ball.

People who have not purchased a package can pick up tickets to individual events, though some are sold out.

Currently tickets to the Ginuwine concert are $100 for members of the PLP and $150 for non-members.

Backbencher Glenn Blakeney, who is producing the concerts along with Yhoshi Productions, would not reveal how much the two international acts were charging.

The party does not have a specific fund raising goal in mind for the event — only to raise as much as possible, Mr. Burt said.

He also said it was their aim to take political fundraising activities to the next level in Bermuda and that proceeds would help various programmes such as the youth wing of the party.

Tickets are still available for the Friday night concert and other events, though the black tie gala is sold out.

They can be purchased at the PLP headquarters, Alaska Hall, or at HOTT 107.