A husband-and-wife team who have helped hundreds of people discover the joy of line dancing are preparing to host their biggest event yet – all while raising money for the Countess of Brecknock Hospice.
Don and Hannah Gillies, founders of Boot Scootin – Andover, will bring their Boot Scootin’ Boogie to The Lights, Andover, on Saturday 5 September, promising an evening of country music, dancing and community spirit in support of the local hospice.
Since launching their line dancing classes, the couple have welcomed more than 300 different people through the doors, creating what they describe as much more than just a dance class.
Don and Hannah said: “After creating our line dancing classes we have had over 300 different people attend our classes in Andover. The goal had always been to build a community that would then also meet for social events.”
Following the success of two smaller gatherings, the Boot Scootin’ Boogie will be their largest social event to date, bringing together regular dancers and newcomers alike for an evening packed with entertainment.
Running from 6.30pm until 11pm, the event will feature performances from local artists Bee Smith and Kieron Cox, who will entertain the audience with a mix of country favourites alongside rock and pop covers. Guests will also be able to take part in instructor-led line dances, making the evening suitable for everyone, whether they have years of experience or are stepping onto the dancefloor for the very first time.
Don and Hannah said: “This will be a fun evening with instructor-led line dances, two live musicians and lots of smiles. If you like country music, or just like to dance and want to give line dancing a go, then please come along.”
Alongside the music and dancing, there will be pizza, homemade cakes and a charity raffle, with every penny raised going directly to the Countess of Brecknock Hospice.
The fundraiser has been organised in memory of loved ones who received care from the hospice, adding a deeply personal meaning to the evening.
Speaking about supporting the charity, Don and Hannah added: “We will also be hosting a charity raffle with all money raised going to the Countess of Brecknock Hospice.”
Reflecting on how the classes have grown into a thriving local community, the couple said they are looking forward to celebrating everything that has been achieved together.
“The journey so far has been great fun, and the big social event will be a nice way to celebrate the community we have brought together,” they said.
Tickets for the Boot Scootin’ Boogie are £15 per person, with organisers encouraging people to grab their cowboy boots, bring their friends and enjoy an evening of music, dancing and fundraising for a cause that has touched the lives of so many local families.