Stockport Town Hall Ballroom takes its place in the Strictly spotlight

Actor Adam Thomas and his professional dance partner Luba Mushtuk put their best foot forward as they used the stunning venue to film their introductory segment for the popular dance competition and rehearse their waltz danced to the song ‘I Wonder Why’ by Curtis Stigers.

Adam, who is vying to lift this year’s Glitterball Trophy was impressed with the space which dates back to the Edwardian era and features nine huge stained-glass windows lining the east side of the room, beautiful chandeliers suspended from the vast arched ceiling which also features ornamental moulding and cornices and there’s even a Wurlitzer organ.

Adam said: “The ballroom is absolutely beautiful and the architecture is amazing. I drive past the town hall every day and I never knew what was here inside. It’s the perfect place to learn the waltz. It’s a brilliant event space and it’s the best place we’ve rehearsed.”

So far Adam has shown he has anything but two left feet and has sashayed through the dance competition by showing off his burgeoning dance skills performing a cha-cha-cha to ‘Waffle House’ by the Jonas Brothers in week one, a tango to ‘Somebody Told Me’ by Måneskin in week two and a jive to Aha’s Take on Me from Super Mario Brothers for week three’s movie theme.

The actor, who is currently also filming the BBC school drama Waterloo Road in which he plays Donte Charles, lives in Stockport borough and said: “I live in this area, it’s so up and coming and there’s so much happening at the moment. I have my bar Spinn Off in the historic Underbanks area of the town centre and it’s a really great place to be.”

Councillor Mark Hunter, Leader of Stockport Council, said: “Stockport Town Hall ballroom is one of the jewels in the crown of our borough. We are lucky to have such a wealth of stunning and historic event spaces in our community, which can also be hired by our residents.”

Councillor Frankie Singleton said: “It was marvellous to see the ballroom showcased so beautifully on Saturday in such a high-profile programme that can be enjoyed by all the family. Now, let’s all get behind our local Stopfordian Adam as he tries to lift the Glitterball Trophy.”

You don’t have to be a Strictly contestant or professional to enjoy tripping the light fantastic in the grandeur of our stunning ballroom. Led by Evelyn Kennedy, a weekly dance class and social get-together, the Tea Dance, is held every Wednesday from 1-4pm, except August and during certain weeks in April . Attendees have the opportunity to practice and learn a variety of different dances and the ballroom bar is also open for refreshments, or you can bring your own.. Tickets are available on the door for £4.15 per person, cash only.

Stockport Town Hall, including the ballroom, can be hired for a variety of events from intimate celebrations to large scale corporate functions. For more information, please visit the Stockport Events Facebook, X and Instagram pages, or call the Events Team on 0161 474 3451.

Stockport Town Hall has recently been shortlisted as a North West finalist in the Best Wedding Venue (Historic) category in the prestigious Wedding Industry Awards, as had Bramhall hall. The council and its building have also been shortlisted as regional finalists in the Best Wedding Venue (Other) for Chadkirk Chapel and also for our Events Team, with the awards ceremony taking place on Tuesday 7 November in Clitheroe.

Stockport is the current Greater Manchester Town of Culture. You can find out more at the Stockport Town of Culture website.