Full line-up confirmed for charity dance extravaganza

The full line-up of dancers for this year’s Unstrictly Dancing charity fundraiser – supported by numerous Marketing Derby Bondholders – has been confirmed.

Eleven brave stars will swap their day jobs for sequins and the spotlight at the event, which will take place on 27 June at Reach Conference Centre, on Pride Park.

They will take to the ballroom floor partnered with professional dancers, in front of a live audience, all in the name of charity.

Organised by Unity is Community CIC, the event was born from Theresa Peltier’s tenure as High Sheriff of Derbyshire, during which she saw first-hand the transformative power of arts and community events.

Co-founder Jonathan Leach, of Indigo Drum Communications has helped grow it into one of the county’s most beloved fundraising occasions, raising vital funds for incredible local causes.

This year’s event will raise funds for The Lewis Sewell Memorial Trust, The Living Recovery Foundation and Rebuild East Midlands, while also supporting children’s places at Derby Kids’ Camp and Derbyshire Children’s Holiday Centre.

Among those stepping into the spotlight will be Councillor Nadine Peatfield, leader of Derby City Council,

She said: “I have always believed that the best leaders know when to step up, when to take a bow, and occasionally, when to just go for it on the dancefloor.

“Derby is a city with an extraordinary community spirit, and Unstrictly captures that perfectly.

“I am absolutely delighted to be taking part and to support such wonderful local causes.”

Also among this year’s participants is Sir Richard Fitzherbert, chair of Visit Peak District & Derbyshire, Chris Birds, joint owner of Boxall Brown & Jones and BB&J Commercial, Lisa Marriott, head of people and culture at Embark Federation and chair of Rebuild East Midlands, Sophie Jepson, project manager at L.E.A.D. IT Services, Emma Pilgrim, events and partnerships manager at Derby County Community Trust and Tom Morgan, managing director at trentbarton.

The event itself is being sponsored by Cosy Direct, HUUB, L.E.A.D. IT Services, Butler’s Pantry, Reach Conference Centre and EMA Training.

Co-organiser Jonathan Leach said: “Every year I am genuinely moved by the bravery of the people who say ‘yes’ to Unstrictly Dancing.

“These are busy, successful people, council leaders, business owners, broadcasters, community champions, and every single one of them is willing to look a little silly, work incredibly hard, and give everything they have got in front of a live audience, all for causes that really matter.

“That takes courage. Derby and Derbyshire should be enormously proud of each and every one of them.”

For more information about the event and to book tickets click here.