Peaky Blinders ball a huge success raising funds for Backup North West

Sophie looked as if she had just come from the set of the hit BBC drama as she had a ball at a special themed Peaky Blinders evening.

It was held to celebrate the young people’s homeless charity Bolton-based Backup North West 30th anniversary.

The Bolton-born BAFTA luminary is patron of the charity, which had helped her when she was younger.

• Alma's Not Normal star Sophie Willan is new patron of Bolton's Backup Northwest

The glitz and glamour at the themed ball also raised £10k for the charity.

Guests got into the spirit of the occasion as they dressed as characters from the drama.

There were also Charleston flappers and Gatsby lookalikes, including those worn by the young students from the Dawn Dawson Dance Academy who treated the guests to performances styled on the era.

Students performed from the Dawn Dawson Dance Academy

Maura Jackson, charity CEO, said the night was a huge success and she went home buzzing.

She said: "The night was successful and the feedback from guests has been overwhelmingly positive.

"It was a worthwhile evening, and it was really nice to get together with people after Covid.

"The dance floor was packed from start to end, the atmosphere and outfits were incredible and everyone just looked fantastic.

"It was just a really great and cracking night, I came away and was buzzing."

The Mayor of Bolton Cllr Linda Thomas was in attendance. 

Sophie Willan and Maura Jackson

The night was filled with raffles, games, ticket sales, and an auction, which raised a fantastic £10k.

The money raised will provide much-needed items for young people who are experiencing homelessness in Bolton and are living in Backup's temporary supported housing services.

Maura  told guests stories of young people who have benefitted from the services in the past and what positive impact it had.

She said not one person who has used, or is using, the Backup service is there through choice.

"No one chooses to be homeless," she said.

Backup will continue to celebrate its anniversary with more fundraising events across the year including a Golf Day, Ladies Lunch, and a Sleep Out.