Spectacular ‘Cirque Magnifique’ ball saw the movers and shakers of Rossendale help raise £35,000 for a hospice

More than 270 guests were dazzled by aerial acts, fire eaters and stilt walkers at Rossendale Hospice's annual event.

The special events committee, who organise the annual event, created themed decorations from enormous popcorn boxes to huge lollipop and candyfloss creations.

The guests were greeted at the Hilton Hotel, Manchester, with big top music and Alan Keegan, the voice of Old Trafford, who welcomed everyone as the Ring Master.

Channel 4 filmed the evening to feature on the ‘Extreme Cake Makers’ series.

A circus themed cake was made and donated by Molly Robbins of Molly’s Creative Cakes, the daughter of comedian Ted Robbins.

The cake was put into the auction creating a bidding war before finally being sold for £1,050, which was also matched by another guest and generated a total amount of £2,100.

Other auction prizes ranged from skiing holidays raising £3,500 to an evening on the Royal Yacht Britannia with overnight stay at the Balmoral Hotel, which four lucky winners bid £2,500.

Sam Morris, fundraising manager at the Bacup Road hospice in Rawtenstall, said: “The hospice is truly grateful to the special events committee who work so hard to make our flagship event such a huge success.

"They couldn’t have done it without the support of the guests and everyone who donated prizes including the fantastic sponsorship received from CFH Design, JJO, Robert Nicholas Steels, Michael Hall Consultants, Digital Next and Bev’s Party Balloons.”