Spectacular star-studded fundraiser Strictly Air Ambulance is back in Brentwood this March

Returning on Saturday 9^th March for its 12^th year, tickets are now on sale for Strictly Air Ambulance 2024, Essex & Herts Air Ambulance’s most glamorous night of the year!

This spectacular event is taking place at the Brentwood Centre in Essex and will see performances from celebrity professional dancers Nadiya Bychkova and Kai Widdrington from BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing. Nadiya and Kai will also form part of the judging panel, joining EHAAT CEO, Jane Gurney, Pro Latin dancer, Ben Milan Vega, and head judge Phil Meacham of Chelmsford Dance Centre.

This enchanting evening promises to be a dazzling showcase of talent and will also have an extra bit of added sparkle brought by the evening’s hosts, EHAAT’s Celebrity Ambassador Lisa Snowdon, and ITV Presenter David Whiteley.

With all the glitz and glamour, the event will follow the same familiar format most will recognise from the popular TV show, where in an attempt to impress the judges with their Latin and Ballroom routines, six contestants and their professional partners will give it their all on the dance floor, and one couple will walk away with the glitter ball trophy.

Ryan Wingate and Crystal Main lifting the glitter ball as the winners of Strictly Air Ambulance March 2023

Fingers are crossed that the friendly competition will match the high level of dancing seen from all the couples taking part in Strictly Air Ambulance 2023, which raised just under £20,000 for EHAAT, and saw PGA Professional at Ipswich Golf Club, Ryan Wingate, and qualified teaching professional, Crystal Main from Feather Steps Dance Academy, becoming Strictly Air Ambulance Champions 2023.

Ryan was delighted to win the Judges’ vote and said: “If anybody gets a chance to take part in this event then they should as it’s a fantastic thing to be a part of. I hugely enjoyed the experience.”

Crystal added: “As a professional, I’ve always wanted to be able to lift the glitter ball trophy and I got to do it with Ryan for this amazing charity and event. He was the model student from start to finish and was an absolute pleasure to teach and I’m glad that my Strictly Air Ambulance experience was with him.”

Sponsored by Birkett Long, tickets for Strictly Air Ambulance 2024 cost between £22.50 and £27.50 for the main event. There is also an opportunity for an extra £10, to rub shoulders with the stars of the show, grab a bite to eat and dance to the strictly fantastic DJ, at the after-show party that takes place from 10.30pm till 12.30am.

An avid dancer since her childhood, EHAAT’s CEO, Jane Gurney, is delighted that Strictly Air Ambulance is back for a 12^th year and said:

”This is a brilliant opportunity to enjoy some spectacular dancing and entertainment, whilst at the same time helping us to continue our vital work as a charity across the region.

“Although we are very excited about our celebrities, let’s not forget the evening is a fundraising event to support the pre-hospital emergency services we provide to our local communities. Our six contestants have been paired with professional dancers and have already been given their dances. They are now hard at work as they prepare to battle it out for the glitter ball trophy.

“Tickets always sell fast, so I would recommend stocking up before Christmas – they always make great gifts for the Strictly fans in your life. I for one, am looking forward to a getting my dancing shoes on and I can’t wait to see you there!”

Tickets can be purchased by visiting ehaat.org/strictly.

The line-up for Strictly Air Ambulance 2024 from left to right: (top row) John Denegri (professional partner of Kerrie Barker), Alan Connell, Kay Rafter, Kerrie Barker, Katie Harrison (professional partner of Steven Drew), Steven Drew, EHAAT Pre-Hospital Care Doctor, Dave Franklin (not participating), Charlie Sue Bright (professional partner of Alan Connell), Hayden Wise (professional partner of Kay Rafter), Richard Willis, Laura Bannister, and EHAAT Critical Care Paramedic, Phil Almond (not participating).