What a night! Our first ever Barn Dance raises over £12,000 for brilliant community organisations

Yee-ha!

Last week, the De Grey Rooms in York came alive for our very first Barn Dance fundraiser, a wonderful way to celebrate community, connection, and our 25th year.

The night came about as the Big Deal band celebrated their 40th anniversary, bringing musicians together from across the globe. With fiddles, guitars, banjo, and infectious energy, they set the tone from the very first tune, keeping the dance floor full and the whole place rocking all night.

The energy just kept building with joyful (and sometimes wildly enthusiastic!) dancing, delicious food from Partisan and Brancusi, and a heartfelt Two Ridings rendition of Country Roads. Most of all, it was a night full of people coming together to support something bigger than themselves.

Thanks to everyone who joined us, through ticket sales, the bar, and fundraising on the night, we raised over £5,000. With match funding, that total grew to more than £12,000, all going directly into our 25th Anniversary Appeal.

All photo credits: Krista Zecchino

These funds will be turned into grants supporting community action across the region — from warm hubs offering friendship and hot meals to projects helping young people gain confidence and skills. Whatever the project or community, they all share the same purpose: tackling poverty, improving health and wellbeing, strengthening connections, championing equity and belonging, and taking action on climate for the future.

Our vision is simple: communities where everyone can flourish, today and for generations to come. Seeing that vision reflected in a room full of people dancing, laughing, and singing so generously was truly moving.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who made the night possible — especially the Big Deal Band, along with the amazing teams at Partisan and Brancusi, the wonderful Belfrey team at the De Grey Rooms, and our generous sponsors: Bettys & Taylors Group, LNER, Hugh Rice Jeweller, The Heritage Fruit Company, Continuum Attractions, Phillip Anthony Photography, and York Chocolate Story.

And of course, thank you to everyone who came along and supported us. You are part of the Two Ridings supporter family, and we’re so glad you’re with us.

Here’s to strong communities, and maybe another dance or two in the future!