As fabulous as weddings are, even the most established venues have to branch out sometimes and try their hand at other events. Earlier this year it was the turn of equestrian centre and big day stalwart Ingliston Country Club, which hosted the eighth annual ‘Strictly Come Prancing’ in association with St Vincent’s Hospice on Friday 15th March.
Inspired by the hit TV show, the evening saw 13 amateur couples take to the dancefloor to vie to become 2019 champions. Though competition was fierce, Alex Glass and Lynn Ferguson emerged as the eventual winners, taking home the coveted title for their rendition of the Argentine tango. At 81 years old, Alex’s win only goes to show that age really is just a number.
Ingliston held the event in its new indoor marquee – just under 500 dance enthusiasts were in attendance, nearly doubling the organisation’s event the previous year. This impressive turnout might go some way to explaining the astonishing £57,500 raised for the local charity.
“What a great night it was!” enthused Louise Strachan, senior fundraiser for the hospice. “So much hard work and effort was involved in the lead-up to this event and we owe a great debt of thanks to all those involved.”
Ingliston’s marquee may have only opened in November, but the venue’s owners are hopeful that its 500-person capacity and and blank-canvas setting will attract legions of couples hoping to fit a sizeable guest list.
If you’re after something a little more intimate, however, there are two other rooms on offer at Ingliston: the Salerno Suite, which is inspired by Art Deco design and kitted out with £100,000 worth of authentic artefacts; and the Connemara Suite, whose muted tones and bright, airy spaces tend to appeal more to younger couples.
On the Strictly Come Prancing front, the organisers at St Vincent’s are already looking forward to the 2020 event. It might seem like a while off now, but we’re sure the time will fly by. In the meantime – keeeeep dancing!