Saturday night saw the “stars” taking to the stage at the Capitol Theatre in front of an enthusiastic crowd and judges, including Forum 6’s Grant Lee and New England MP and Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce.

North West Cancer Council office community engagement manager Dimity Betts said three dancing stars took home prizes on the night.

The Judge’s Choice went to Kathryn Warner from Flight Centre and her partner Lachlan;, the highest fundraiser before the event was Gail Webb from Roads and Maritime Services who raised $4226; and the People’s Choice Award, voted by SMS, was won by Kris Wall from Prime Television.

Last year saw 11 prominent Tamworth identities raise $50,000 and this year’s stars are looking likely to match it.

“It’s a really fun event,” Mrs Betts said.

“It gets the community together to be able to celebrate and raise money for the Cancer Council, and do it in a really fun way. It’s also great because you can back your favourite dancer, who is usually someone who is known in the community and could be your daughter, son, brother or sister.”

Mrs Betts said, for the dancers, it was also good for them to learn the dances that they performed on the night.

Before the event had begun, the stars had raised more than $22,000 and Mrs Betts said, once they added up the raffles and auction and other fundraising, she expected they’d raised $45,000 to $50,000.

“It all goes back into local community into prevention plans, information and support services and advocacy campaigns and Inala House, our accommodation facility at Tamworth hospital,” Mrs Betts said.

“We also have the information centre at the North West Cancer Centre, the Sun Sounds and Sun Smart initiatives and a transport to treatment vehicle.”

The hunt is now on for the dancing stars of next year.