Save money on train tickets with the Avanti West Coast Summer Sale 🚄 
Features
Cuban carnival comes to Southport Flower Show in aid of Alice’s WonderDance
54 minutes ago
The Cuban carnival’s coming to Southport Flower Show. One Night in Havana promises to be a spectacular evening of dance, music, food and fun.
The event’s being held in the Summer Pavilion on Saturday, August 22, in aid of Alice’s WonderDance, the foundation set up in memory of Alice Da Silva Aguiar which has already supported around 450 young people.
Jenny Armstrong, owner of Enhance Events which is organising the evening, says:
“One Night in Havana’s about transporting people to the vibrant streets of Cuba, with fantastic entertainment from start to finish.
“It’s going to be a party!
🚄
Heading to London this summer?
Save money with the Avanti West Coast Summer Sale. Book now and snap up the best fares before they're gone.
Book now and save →“One of the things that makes One Night in Havana so special is that we’re bringing together genuinely authentic Latin talent.
“Our headline Cuban band, Son of Cuba, is made up of musicians from Cuba, Colombia, Chile and Mexico, who’ve performed at festivals and events across the UK and internationally – including the Cuba Rumba Festival in Havana.”
Speaking about raising funds for Alice’s WonderDance, she adds:
“We met Alice’s parents Alex and Sergio last year and they were so lovely, and we were truly inspired by the incredible work they do.
“From the moment we met them we knew we wanted to do something to help the charity and help raise both awareness and vital funds.
“We held another evening at the Flower Show last year, One Night in Hollywood, and that raised £3,000 which we split between the three Southport Charities.
“This year it’s just for Alice’s WonderDance, and we’re hoping to raise that amount, if not more, this year.
“We’re from Southport and we feel for them (we feel for all of the families). You can imagine how difficult it is for them, and yet they are so positive. Because we are a Southport business we want to do something to help them, even in a small way.
“Alice’s WonderDance is particularly close to our hearts because of what we do; it is about dance and performance, and we’ve always been passionate about bringing people together and creating experiences that people will remember long after the event has finished.”
Frank Brando, ‘joined by his glamorous assistant Betty Fontaine’, will host the evening: “He’s created a character, as he did last year, and he’s from New York, he went to Hollywood and now he’s in Havana. He’s hilarious, and such good fun.”
Alongside them, DJ Irmita, who also performs at Preston Caribbean Carnival, will be getting everyone into the Cuban spirit with a fun dance lesson, and a DJ set before the live entertainment begins.
Southport rising dance stars, Eden and Libbi, will be entertaining the audience too: “They’ve only been dancing together for six months, they’ve already made a huge impression on the competitive dance circuit,” says Jenny.
“Eden is an exceptionally talented dancer and musician, and together with Libbi’s elegance, calmness and grace, they make an outstanding partnership. We believe they’re destined for great things and are certainly a couple to watch as they compete in the UK Championships.”
DBA School of Dance, whose baby ballet dance classes Alice attended, has got tother a group of Southport dancers to perform as carnival showgirls throughout the night.
She goes on: “We wanted the evening to feel like a true celebration of Cuban music, culture and dance, giving guests an authentic experience while supporting an amazing local charity.
“When it’s time to really get the party started, our incredible seven-piece live band Carnival Club will fill the dance floor with an energetic mix of Latin-inspired party classics guaranteed to keep everyone dancing all night.”
Tik Taco Canteena will be serving Cuban inspired street food throughout the evening with 10% o all takings being pledged to Alice’s WonderDance.
As well as entertainment and food, there’ll be a charity raffle for which, along with more sponsorship – The Waterfront Hotel and Replica Print are already supporting the evening – Jenny would love to have more prizes donated.
“We can’t wait to welcome everyone to the Summer Pavilion for an unforgettable evening of Cuban-inspired entertainment, dancing, fantastic food and fundraising so, together, we can make a real difference for Alice’s WonderDance.”
Alice’s mum and founder of Alice’s WonderDance, says: “I’m incredibly grateful that Enhance Events has chosen Alice’s WonderDance as its charity partner for this year’s annual event.
“One Night in Havana promises to be an amazing evening, and we’re looking forward to welcoming around 300 guests.
“We would be so grateful for any support. You could purchase a ticket and join us for the celebration, become an event sponsor, perform as a dancer, or donate a raffle prize or auction item.
“Every contribution, no matter how big or small, will help us continue spreading Alice’s Magic and giving more young people the opportunity to dance.”
Alex, who reveals the foundation’s first Gala Dinner last month was a huge success, raising more than £17,000 for the foundation, adds:
“We have now helped around 450 young people access dance opportunities, including individual grants. By working in partnership with Community Foundation Merseyside, we’ve been able to give these children a new vision, new opportunities, and the chance to experience the joy of dance.
“We truly believe that dance can build confidence, support children who are struggling, and help guide the next generation in our community towards a brighter future.”
She smiles:
“This year’s theme is particularly special to me. As someone with Hispanic roots, the vibrant Havana atmosphere, music, dance, and culture mean so much to me personally. It makes this event even more meaningful, and I’m especially excited to be part of what promises to be a truly unforgettable evening.”
Subscribe
Follow Us
Follow Us
Follow Us
Follow Us
Follow Us
