All 10s at this year’s Strictly Banbury
Over the weekend, Strictly fever struck The Mill Arts Centre as Strictly Banbury returned for its annual fundraising bonanza, supporting Samuel’s Charity and Oxfordshire Mind. This year, the couples donned their sequins and fake tan to perform a Viennese Waltz, a group freestyle and an opening number, all in the hope of impressing a live audience and independent judging panel while raising money for important local causes.
After an eight-week rehearsal period that put couples through their paces in the run-up to the event, for Strictly Banbury organiser and dance teacher Glenda Harper, the sold-out shows were a culmination of the hard work and determination from everyone involved.
“The class of 2023 did not disappoint,” says Glenda. “They all supported and helped each other throughout the whole eight weeks, and anything I asked of them, they gave it a go. This year’s opening was a challenge – 41 people on the stage at once dancing with 41 hats! But they got it spot on for the performances. Hats up when they should have been and hats down at the right times. It was a very proud teacher moment watching them perform with all smiles and confidence.”
“Strictly Banbury 2023 was on another level, and the Step By Step team and I have worked so hard throughout the year to achieve this. I want to thank everyone involved, including the team, dancers, and our local heroes. To all of the local businesses who sponsored this year’s event, donated to any raffle prizes or donated to any of this year’s charities, your generosity will help people in the area tremendously.”
This year’s Strictly Banbury raised a staggering £15,000, which will be split between two main charities – Samuel’s Charity and Oxfordshire Mind – two worthwhile charities close to the hearts of those involved and the wider community.
"The support, enthusiasm and effort from all the dancers and local heroes was amazing,” says Martin Leib, Samuel’s Charity trustee. “I am humbled by the work they put in to make Strictly Banbury the enormous success it is.”
“Samuel’s Charity helps seriously and terminally ill children in hospital, and funds raised go towards Banbury and Milton Keynes children's wards, providing essential equipment that wouldn't normally be possible, along with games, toys, gifts and ward decorations to bring some fun and hope into a very dark and scary time. My son, Samuel, started the charity when he was in hospital with cancer. He saw how hard it was for the other kids and said we needed to help them. Samuel died only six months after going into hospital, aged nine. His charity helps thousands of children each year through one of the worst times of their lives, and Strictly Banbury's support makes a huge impact.”
Over £600 was also raised for Age UK Oxfordshire and Reducing the Risk of Domestic Violence Oxfordshire.
As well as fundraising for local charities, Strictly Banbury, now in its 12th year, is an opportunity to put on a show filled with glitz, glamour and sparkle while providing dancing novices and pros alike a place to have fun, socialise and learn something new.
When not running her local baby swim school, Water Babies Bucks & Beds, Tamsin Brewis was one of the dancers training her partner to put on a show at this year’s event.
“One of my favourite things about participating is making new friends and sharing my love of dance with others,” says Tamsin. “My partner this year was Marcus, and to see his and all the other local heroes' journey in eight weeks to put on this amazing show is so rewarding. Each year, Strictly Banbury is a fantastic outlet for us to explore our dancing skills, dust off the dancing shoes and put on the glad rags! I’m always proud to take part in such a special event and raise money for such deserving charities. Roll on, Strictly Banbury 2024!”
Strictly Banbury will return next year on 15th and 16th March.
For more information about Samuel's Charity, visit: https://samuelscharity.org.uk/
For more information on Tamsin's baby swim school, Water Babies Bucks & Beds, visit: https://www.waterbabies.co.uk/lp/baby-swimming/bucks-and-beds