Dance extravaganza aims to raise £20k for worthy causes

A popular annual charity dance event, backed by a number of Marketing Derby Bondholders, is aiming to raise £20,000 for worthy causes this year.

Derbyshire UnStrictly 2026 is set to take place on 27 June at Reach Conference Centre on Pride Park.

It brings together business leaders, public figures and community champions who step out of their comfort zones for a night of dancing, entertainment, fun and fundraising.

This year, money raised from the event will support The Lewis Sewell Memorial Trust, The Living Recovery Foundation, Rebuild East Midlands, Derby Kids’ Camp and Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre.

Cosy Direct has been confirmed as headline sponsor, along with HUUB and L.E.A.D. IT Services, which are ‘gold’ sponsors.

Previous dancers have included Dean Jackson MBE, founder of HUUB, Gillian Sewell, chief executive of YMCA Derbyshire, Derby North MP Catherine Atkinson, ultra endurance cyclist Leigh Timmis and Ian Morgan OBE FCILT, chair of Derbyshire County Cricket Club.

Organisers have promised that this year’s line-up will feature some fantastic personalities, with dancer announcements coming in the weeks ahead.

The event is run by Jonathan Leach, director of Indigo Drum Communications, and Theresa Peltier DL through their community interest company Unity is Community.

Jonathan said: “UnStrictly is about courage, community and collective impact.

“Every dancer who steps onto that stage is doing something brave to support others.

“Our goal this year is to raise £20,000 and make this the biggest and best Derbyshire UnStrictly yet. Every ticket sold genuinely makes a difference.”

Theresa, who created the concept, said: “This event captures the very best of Derbyshire.

“Business leaders, public figures and community champions are coming together to support vital causes.

“The atmosphere on the night is electric, and the impact goes far beyond the dance floor.”

Tickets are now available to purchase, starting from £25. For more information, click here.

*Marketing Derby Bondholders are invited to a Derbyshire Unstrictly teaser event, which will take place at Derby Theatre on Thursday 4 June. Look out for invites in your inboxes.