Get ready to jitterbug, jive, swing and lindy hop the night away when The Blackpool Tower Ballroom becomes centre stage for a spectacular Dance for Victory.

Professor Vanessa and The Blackpool Tower Ballroom are set to present the unmissable fundraiser as part of Blackpool’s Armed Forces Week 2018.

All ticket proceeds from the Saturday, June 23 event will go to the Help for Heroes charity which provides lifelong support for service personnel and military veterans with injuries, illnesses or wounds sustained while serving in the British Armed Forces.

This year marks both the centenary of the end of the First World War and the formation of the Royal Air Force.

Fabulous ‘forces sweetheart’ Madame Galina, who has entertained the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, will compère the event which features Alex Mendham and his Orchestra, coming to the famous Blackpool Tower Ballroom direct from London’s Savoy Hotel.

The evening will also include stars of radio and cabaret including Britain’s number one classic burlesque act, Miss Betsy Rose, comedy cabaret favourites Jones and Barnard, a circus troupe, and The Pleasure Beach Dancers.

Meanwhile, former British National Latin American finalist, and Strictly Come Dancing choreographer, James Wilson and his partner Elinor Summers will step back in time to the 1940s to perform the jitterbug and a jive danced in military uniform.

Professor Vanessa, who previously organised the popular Carnival Ball at The Blackpool Tower Ballroom and is giving her time free of charge to produce this latest event, said: “People can expect an evening of glamour, excitement, romance and fun.

“It’s amazing to be back at The Blackpool Tower Ballroom – this is part of the thrill for me. It’s the best atmosphere in the world.

“I wanted to do this because my nephew served in the forces in Afghanistan and Iraq, and when he came out it was Help for Heroes, along with the Royal British Legion, that helped him.”

Gaynor Jordan-Davis, Head of Regional Fundraising at Help for Heroes, said: “Help for Heroes is delighted to be involved with Merlin Entertainments in what promises to be a memorable evening.

“Dance for Victory will bring together people from all backgrounds and will kick start an exciting eight-days across the country. Each day, seven Service Personnel are discharged from the military, and the dance is a fine way of honouring our heroes as part of Armed Forces Week.”

And Kate Shane, Head of Merlin Entertainments Blackpool, added: “We’re absolutely delighted to work with our old friend Professor Vanessa on this very special event. I can promise it’s going to be an extremely memorable evening.

“Armed Forces Week has become a key part of Blackpool’s annual calendar, and Help for Heroes is an inspirational charity doing brilliant, much-needed work with and on behalf of Britain’s service veterans. We’re very pleased to be able to support it in this way.”

Blackpool has held an Armed Forces Week since 2006. The event is a chance to say ‘thank you’ to all who have served their country, and the resort plays host to serving military personnel, service veterans and cadets.

This year it kicks off on June 23 with this amazing fundraising evening at The Tower Ballroom, and is followed by a series of events and entertainments from June 25 to July 1, culminating in a parade and special service at Blackpool Cenotaph.

Dance For Victory takes place on June 23 and tickets are £19.18 via the Blackpool Tower website www.theblackpooltower.com, the Blackpool Tower Box Office or from the VisitBlackpool Tourist Information Centre.  Please note the event is for 18+ years of age.

For more information on the full programme of events for Armed Forces Week, please go to www.visitblackpool.com/armedforces

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The Blackpool Tower Ballroom
Dance Hall/Ballroom
The Blackpool Tower Ballroom

The Blackpool Tower Ballroom is a sight to behold.  Breath taking in its splendour, daily tea dances, fabulous events and wonderful music keep this world class venue an amazing experience for both old and young visitors alike.​​​​​​

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