We are delighted to announce that Strictly for Ups ‘n’ Downs raised a phenomenal £36,000! What an incredible night!

Huge congratulations to our Strictly winners, Dylan and Megan, who were fantastic. Their dedication, energy, and passion truly shone on the dance floor, making them well-deserved champions!

Thank you to our amazing dancers

A massive thank you to all the dancers who dedicated countless hours to training, fundraising, and delivering stunning performances on the night. Your hard work and commitment made this event such a success, and we can’t thank you enough! 

Gratitude to our team

This spectacular evening would not have been possible without an incredible team of people:

🧡 Wes & Alex Faulkner Clarke – for their patience and professionalism in preparing 11 novice dancers for the most nerve-wracking night of their lives!

🧡 Rosie Wighting MP – for taking time out of her busy schedule to support our charity.

🧡 Billy Lockett – for his support and taking time out of his music schedule to be part of this special event.

🧡 Emma Petit – for her knowledge, wisdom, and honesty at the judging table.

🧡 Nigel Adair – for his suave sophistication and ultimate professionalism as our host.

🧡 Mat Newman of MJN Events – for delivering BBC-standard production that truly elevated the evening.

🧡 Hair by Emily – ensuring not a single hair was out of place!

🧡 Big Bopper Entertainment – for providing the mandatory tunes and capturing fabulous photos (check out their Facebook page for more!)

🧡 Steve Grass – for eight weeks of dedicated practice and a massive fundraising effort.

🧡 Our incredible volunteers – for looking after our audience and dancers so well throughout the event.

🧡 Chris & Karen Smith – for their vision, passion, and dedication in making this entire event a reality!

A HUGE thank you to everyone who supported, danced, donated, and cheered – this night was truly special because of you! Your generosity and enthusiasm continue to make a real difference in the lives of those we support.

Get ready for an unforgettable night of glitz, glamour, and show-stopping performances, all in support of Ups 'n' Downs! Our incredible dancers are ready to take to the floor, dazzling with every step, spin, and shimmy - all to raise vital funds for individuals with Down syndrome and their families.

We're halfway to our fundraising goal!

We’re thrilled to announce that our dedicated dancers have already raised over £6,000 towards our fundraising target! Their hard work and your generosity are making a real difference, helping us continue and expand the support we offer to our community.

How your support helps

The funds raised will support the services we currently provide and those we plan to introduce, including:

• Speech & Language and Occupational Health Therapies – Tailored to each member’s needs, helping them develop essential skills for independent living.
• One-to-One Swimming Lessons – Boosting confidence and ensuring water safety.
• Sing & Sign Sessions – Supporting early years development through communication and music.
• Parent & Carer Support Groups – Providing a space to share experiences, advice, and best practices.
• Specialist EHCP Support – Helping families navigate education plans with expert guidance.
• Educational Resource Library – Equipping parents and carers with valuable learning tools.
• Specialist Training for Schools – Ensuring teachers and classroom assistants are equipped to support students with Down syndrome effectively.

A huge thank you to our incredible dancers and everyone who has donated so far - you are making a real impact!

Don’t miss out – get your tickets now!

Tickets are just £15 each.

Event Details:

Venue: Wicksteed Park Pavilion, Kettering
Doors Open: 6:30 PM
Show Starts: 7:15 PM

Book your tickets today!
Contact Karen at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Or call 07817 735 204

Your support helps change lives. Whether you're a dance enthusiast or just looking for a fantastic night out, this is an event you won’t want to miss!

As we wrap up 2024, we can’t help but reflect on what an incredible year it has been for our community. And what better way to end the year than with our magical annual Christmas party.

Our Christmas celebration brought families together for a day full of festive fun! The day's highlight was the appearance of a very special guest – Father Christmas himself! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠His visit brought so many smiles and excitement to all the families in attendance, making it an unforgettable occasion.

We want to take this opportunity to express our heartfelt gratitude to our incredible team of trustees. Their hard work, dedication, and meticulous planning made this event tremendously successful. Thank you for going above and beyond to bring joy to our families – we couldn’t have done it without you! 

As we look forward to 2025, we remain committed to supporting our wonderful community and creating even more meaningful experiences together. From all of us, we wish you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

The annual Riding for Ups 'n' Downs charity fundraiser took place on Sunday 14th July 2024, and it was a resounding success. This year's event marked the 10th anniversary of the ride, celebrating a decade of support for the Northamptonshire charity that provides support and friendship for children and young people with Down's syndrome.