Strictly Learn to Dance event raises cash for Bolton Hospice

For it was the return of Bolton’s dance event of the year, Strictly Learn to Dance, with the judges proving as dazzling as the dancers themselves.

Bolton Hospice’s annual event was once again a resounding success, with participants stepping out to impress the audience and judges with their newfound dancing skills, all while raising vital funds for the hospice.

The judges at Strictly Learn to Dance (Image: Bolton Hospice)

The event, held at Bolton Wanderers’ Stadium Hotel yesterday (Friday), saw 16 couples take to the dance floor after 12 weeks of intensive training.

The atmosphere was described as electric as the dancers showcased their talent in a variety of styles, from the Cha cha cha to the Salsa, and Tango to Rock n Roll.

Kate and Maria (Image: Bolton Hospice)

k n Roll.

Not only did the dancing duos put their nerves aside to perform in front of a live audience, they also braved this year’s panel of judges, which included esteemed professional Ballroom and Latin dancers and experienced adjudicators Alan Newman and David Brankley, as well as Deputy Mayor and Bolton Hospice Trustee Andy Morgan, and The Bolton News Editor, Richard Duggan.

Strictly Learn to Dance final (Image: Bolton Hospice)

The event was not only a spectacular showcase of talent and entertainment but also a night of raising much-needed funds for Bolton Hospice.

Right moves (Image: Bolton Hospice)

So far this year’s Strictly Learn to Dance participants have raised over £20,000 from their own fundraising – an incredible amount testament to the dancers’ dedication and determination – with more funds raised on the night still to be counted and announced.

Results on the night:

·       Overall Champions – Katie & Maria

·       Cha cha cha winners – Yvonne & Mick

·       Salsa winners – Lauren & Ben

·       Argentine Tango – Jessica & Kenny

·       Rock n roll – Katie & Maria

·       Quickstep winner – Jessica & Kenny

·       Twinkle Toes Award – Ben & David

·       Most improved – Lauren & Ben and Pete & Lynne

·       Audience Choice – Kathy & Andy

·       Fantastic fundraiser 2025 award – Erica & Michael

Glitz and glamour on the dance floor (Image: Bolton Hospice)

 Louise Gray, Events Fundraiser at Bolton Hospice said, “On behalf of everyone at the hospice, I’d like to extend a huge thank you to our participants, guests, volunteers, Bolton FM, the wonderful Touch of Class Dance studio, our guest judges who did a fantastic job & event sponsor, Diamond Buses North West, who made the evening possible! We couldn’t have done it without you, thank you so much for your support!”

Dancing king and queen (Image: Bolton Hospice)

Bolton Hospice relies heavily on the generosity of the local community to continue providing specialist care and support for local people with life-limiting illnesses, and their families. The Strictly Learn to Dance event is a key fundraising activity, and its success is a testament to the incredible support the hospice receives from the Bolton community.

If this year’s dancers have inspired you to want to get involved, please contact Bolton Hospice’s fundraising team at fundraising@boltonhospice.org to register your interest as a dancer for next year’s Strictly Learn to Dance event.