Strictly Knott Dancing Charity Dinner – A Night to Remember

On Friday 3rd October, Tom and I had the pleasure of swapping our usual salon setting for something a little more glamorous as we attended the Strictly Knott Dancing Charity Dinner, held at the beautiful King’s Hall in Stoke. The event, organised by the brilliant team at Knott Events, was in aid of the Douglas Macmillan Hospice (Dougie Mac) — a local charity that holds a special place in so many hearts across Staffordshire.

From the moment we arrived, it was clear that the evening was going to be something special. The grand surroundings of King’s Hall were filled with glittering lights, live music, and the excited chatter of guests coming together for an incredible cause. Every detail, from the décor to the entertainment, had been carefully thought through — a true credit to the team at Knott Events for creating an atmosphere that was both elegant and full of heart.

We were kindly invited by our friends at Follwells Estate Agents, another family-run business who, like us, believe that community support and local connections are what truly make a difference. It’s always refreshing to be surrounded by people who share that same ethos — building something meaningful and giving back to the communities that have supported us along the way.

The highlight of the evening was the Strictly-style dance competition, featuring 12 contestants who had trained tirelessly over the weeks leading up to the event. Each routine was full of energy, personality, and emotion — the kind of performances that make you smile from ear to ear. Every dancer brought something unique to the floor, and the applause that filled the room after each performance said it all. It wasn’t about perfection — it was about courage, connection, and doing something positive for an amazing cause.

Before the dances, guests enjoyed a delicious dinner, a game of heads or tails, and a lively tombola that added a fun, nostalgic touch to the evening. Naturally, we couldn’t resist getting involved — and it turned out to be a very lucky decision! We ended up winning Champagne, Prosecco, and gin, which made for quite the celebration (and, admittedly, a rather delicate start to Saturday morning).

As the night went on, the generosity of everyone in the room was clear to see. Through ticket sales, donations, auctions, and a lot of heartfelt giving, the event raised over £107,000 — a truly remarkable achievement. Every penny goes towards helping Douglas Macmillan Hospice to continue providing compassionate care and support to patients and families when they need it most.

Beyond the glamour, laughter, and dancing, what stood out most was the sense of community. The whole evening was a perfect reminder of what can happen when local businesses come together for a shared purpose. As local business owners, Tom and I often say that being part of a community isn’t just about what you do day to day — it’s about showing up, giving back, and helping to lift others when you can.

We left the event feeling inspired, grateful, and proud to have played a small part in something so meaningful. Huge thanks go to Knott Events for organising such a seamless and spectacular night, to Follwells Estate Agents for the kind invitation, and to everyone who danced, donated, and made the event the success it was.

Somewhere between the last round of Champagne and a bit too much confidence, I somehow volunteered myself for next year’s competition! So, if all goes to plan, you might just see me swapping my scissors for sequins and taking to the dance floor myself in 2026. Wish me luck — I think I’ll need it!

Here’s to more nights that bring people together — filled with laughter, friendship, generosity, and maybe just a touch too much fizz. And maybe next year