Southport Flower Show boss Alan Adams is hoping to emerge from the Queenscourt Strictly event in Southport smelling of roses.
But as someone who is “a complete novice” at dancing, Alan, who is always eager to grasp a new challenge, is busy growing roots with his weekly training sessions.
He is hoping for a blooming great response from the audience at the Prince Of Wales Hotel when Strictly takes place this November, as well as from people invited to back his fundraising efforts for Queenscourt.
You can donate to his cause here: Alan Adams is fundraising for Queenscourt Hospice
Southport Flower Show and Victoria Park General Manager Alan Adams said:
“I enjoyed watching the Queenscourt Strictly event at the Prince Of Wales Hotel in November last year and thought it was a brilliant event.
“On the night I sat at the same table as Serena Silcock-Prince, the Operations Manager at Silcock Leisure Group.
“We were both asked if we’d like to take part in the event and we both agreed to sign up straight away.
“I have been asked in the past to take part but have been too busy to commit to it, but this year I really wanted to do it even though I may not have as much time to practice as others.
“I completely forgot about Strictly. Then in June my dance teacher, Kaz Leach, called me about starting some practice sessions before the event – that’s when the panic set in!
“I wasn’t able to do any sessions during the summer as I was busy organising the 101st anniversary Southport Flower Show in August, which was a massive success. We welcomed over 50,000 visitors to Victoria Park over four gloriously sunny days.
“Since then I’ve been playing catch-up and trying hard to learn all the necessary dance moves and my routine for the night.
“I am really looking forward to Strictly on 15th November when hopefully I will do my best for Queenscourt Hospice.”
While Alan is excited to be taking part, he says he’s not confident about winning – but does have some dancing heritage in his family.
He said: “I am short, I have two left feet, I have no background in dancing at all but just thought I would give it a go!
“I am a complete novice.
“Queenscourt is such a magnificent local charity to support and I am really keen to raise as much money as I can for them. It is such a worthy cause to support.
“When I was working in the civil service at Smedley Hydro in Birkdale, we raised many thousands of pounds for Queenscourt Hospice over the years. It was a cause that we were always very keen to raise money for.
“My in-laws, Jean and Ken Shaw, were looked after wonderfully by Queenscourt Hospice.
“I know first hand about the excellent care they provide for families in Southport, Formby and West Lancashire.
“I am also taking part in memory of my Mum, who loved dancing and also suffered from bladder cancer amongst other illnesses.
“It’s a very challenging time for all charities. It is getting harder and harder to raise the money they need to keep offering all the services they provide. Southport Flower Show is also a charity, so the charity sector is something I know well.
“Queenscourt Hospice deserves all the help they can get through events like Strictly, Star Trekk, the Southport Santa Sprint and others.
“As well as raising funds for Queenscourt, I also want to try and raise as much awareness about what they do as I can.
“This is very much a new challenge for me!
“My Mum and Dad used to love going dancing together. They always went dancing at the Verrico School of Dance in Southport. My Dad now loves going to the Fever Dance School.
“When my Mum was alive, they loved going dancing together. They enjoyed the atmosphere, the dancing, the costumes, and the friendship.
“Competing in Strictly is going to be a really big step for me! I am really getting out of my comfort zone and pushing myself. I enjoy a new challenge.
“I am fortunate to be getting great support. Kaz Leach, at Marshside School Of Dance, is an excellent teacher, and I have been getting lots of backing from Sue, my family, and my colleagues at Southport Flower Show.
“Hopefully I will make them all proud on the night.”
Strictly Queenscourt returns for its third dazzling year on Saturday 15th November 2025.
After two unforgettable sell-out events, the event is back with even more sparkle, sequins, and show-stopping moves!
This year’s glittering line-up features 10 courageous contestants, each paired with a professional dancer, a panel of fabulous judges, two sensational hosts, and a night full of entertainment – all in support of Queenscourt Hospice.
Queenscourt Hospice is delighted to return to the stunning Prince of Wales Hotel for what promises to be another spectacular evening of fundraising and fun.
Each contestant is aiming to raise a minimum of £1,500 in sponsorship, so please dig deep and support their incredible efforts.
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