For the third year running, the Swing Spectacular was a roaring success, raising £500 for local homelessness charity Emmaus Colchester.

After sold out events in 2016 and 2017, Lydia Bell and the Sweeting Swing Band returned on Saturday 5 May at the Moot Hall at Colchester Town Hall for a night of live music, swing dance lessons, performances from The Seaside Stompers, and a speakeasy-style cocktail bar and vintage photo booth.

The event, which was sponsored by vintage clothing shop Vivien of Holloway, saw people come together to celebrate swing music and dancing while raising money for Emmaus Colchester. The charity supports 31 formerly homeless people by providing a home for as long as needed and the opportunity to learn new skills in the charity’s two Emmaus shops on the High Street, an Emmaus Works shop on Osborne Street and a warehouse on Arthur Street.

“I am so pleased and proud to have raised £500 for Emmaus Colchester at the third annual Swing Spectacular. The night was filled with music, laughter and dancing; over 200 people had a spectacular night dressed to the nines and celebrating all things vintage. The charity raffle sponsored by Vivien of Holloway was a huge success, and the charity vintage photo booth was filled with hilarity all night. The success of the night gives me strong assurance that I can continue to put on this event and raise money for such a wonderful charity. I look forward to future projects where I can raise money for Emmaus through music,” said Lydia Bell, singer and event organiser.

“Lydia managed to organise yet another truly spectacular swing fiesta. It was an amazing evening full of brilliant performances and we are extremely thankful to her for choosing our charity to receive the donations raised throughout the evening. The money raised will help us to continue the work we are doing and, hopefully, to reach more people experiencing homelessness and help them to rebuild their lives,” added Gintare Petrauskaite, Community Manager at Emmaus Colchester.

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