Grab your tickets: Strictly star Lewis Cope joins boxing champ Savannah Marshall and England legend John Barnes leading the charge for The PFC Trust’s record-breaking ball.

Strictly Come Dancing star Lewis Cope is quickstepping back to Teesside for The PFC Trust’s fifth annual Green & Blue Charity Ball next month. Lewis has shone under high-stakes pressure in the ballroom, but has promised to trade his sequins for a suit and a serious mission to help the Hartlepool-based charity smash through a historic fundraising ceiling.

This year, the ball’s glitz and glamour are heading to a grand new stage at Teesside University’s Digital Life building on Saturday, April 18.And joining Lewis on the guest list is England and Liverpool legend John Barnes, a long-time supporter of the Trust who has become a firm favourite at the event for his tireless dedication to the region, and former world boxing champion Savannah Marshall.

The stakes are higher than ever for the charity’s seventh birthday. Having raised over £100,000 at every ball so far, the team is looking to break the incredible half-a-million-pound barrier in total monies raised from this annual flagship event. And Lewis’ homecoming will provide a chance to show off the North-East’s legendary generosity to his professional dance partner, Katya Jones, marking his first appearance at the ball since his star turn on the BBC show.“I am super excited for The PFC Trust ball on April 18,” said Lewis. “I am just so pleased to be on board and would love to see more people join me in supporting such an amazing charity that does fantastic things for local people and organisations across the region.“It means the world to me to come back home and show my dance partner, Katya, all about The PFC Trust’s work. I’ve told her so much about the passion people here have for their community, and I can’t wait for her to see it firsthand.“It’s going to be a brilliant night for a cause that really does change lives.”The move to the larger Teesside University venue follows four sell-out years at Hartlepool College of Further Education and reflects the growing scale of the charity’s impact.

Founder Frances Connolly, who established the Trust to strengthen the community, says the evening is much more than just a party. “This is a spectacular evening in support of our mission to help local people,” said Frances. “It is set to be an unforgettable celebration of community, impact and generosity.“ The fact that we are on the verge of raising half a million pounds in total is a testament to the incredible spirit of our supporters. It’s a chance to host clients while directly contributing to life-changing projects. ”Alongside Barnes, Marshall and the Strictly duo, the guest list features a host of familiar faces, including BBC Look North’s Jeff Brown, ensuring plenty of opportunities for guests to mingle with stars throughout the night.

Attendees will be treated to a welcome drinks reception and canapés, a three-course dinner with table wines, and live entertainment from local performers. The night will also feature high-energy live and silent auctions, where guests can bid on exclusive prizes to help push that fundraising total over the £500,000 mark. A regular in previous years has been Baroness Tanni Grey-thompson, who has donated an exclusive prize to help with the fundraising. 

With the event almost sold out and only a few tables remaining, those looking to attend are encouraged to move fast.

*Final enquiries for the event at Teesside University’s Digital Life on April 18 can be made via the PFC Trust website www.thepfctrust.org/event-details/the-annual-green-blue-ball-2026