Boogie back in time for hospice

Cranford Hospice CEO Janice Byford-Jones and event campaign manager Nathalie van Dort are already gearing up for a night of dancing, music and fun. Photo / Warren Buckland

The Hawke's Bay Opera House will be transported back in time this weekend when it hosts a night of music, dancing and good old-fashioned fun.

Aimed at those with a passion for 1970s and 80s music, the Let's Dance event promises a fun night of grooving to soul, funk, boogie, pop and disco hits while supporting Cranford Hospice.

The Hospice's CEO, Janice Byford-Jones, said the inspiration for the event was based on the idea that while people had gone to clubs when they were younger, there were few opportunities in Hawke's Bay for people over 30 to enjoy "a bit of a boogie".

Although dressing up was not compulsory, Cranford event campaign manager Nathalie van Dort said everyone she had spoken to were planning on attending the event in their best retro attire, with mentions of Abba, the Bee Gees and Saturday Night Fever-inspired costumes.

As well as an enjoyable evening, with a ticket including a glass of wine and gourmet pie, Ms Byford-Jones said they were also trying to connect people with hospice.

"It's hard to do, but we want them to connect fun with the hospice," she said, adding the target group were people who would benefit from knowing more about hospice services.

"We want to break down the barriers and make it not scary to talk about," she said.

All money raised from the Queen's Birthday event will help the hospice care for an estimated 600 patients every year - with $2 million needing to be fundraised each year so the hospice's specialist palliative care services can remain free of charge to people in Hawke's Bay.

"Come on out for a good night," Ms Byford-Jones said. "We're coming into winter and the temperature's dropping, so come keep warm."

- Tickets are still available so don't miss your chance to dance on Saturday, June 4, at Hawke's Bay Opera House Plaza. Tickets for Let's Dance are $50 at Eventfinda or Havelock North and Hastings i-Site. Door sales will also be available.