Fancy dress charity netball tournament returns for 'biggest and best one yet'

A FANCY dress netball tournament is back.

Winsford Netball Tournament returns next weekend, raising money for St Luke’s Hospice.

It has become an annual event in recent years and 2024’s tournament is expected to be the biggest and best yet.

Organiser Lisa Renshaw said: “I am excited to see everyone come together for the tournament again this year.

“It makes it all so worthwhile when we hand over the donations and money made to St Luke’s Hospice.

“We are looking forward to raising as much as we can again for this charity which is so very close to many of our hearts.

“Huge thanks to those who have very kindly offered to help us out, making the day a good one for everyone.

“It’s an amazing day where everyone comes together to have fun, raise money and come together as a community.”

Sixteen teams will take part in this year's tournament (Image: Supplied)

The idea for a charity netball tournament first came about in 2022.

One of the organisers, Emma Sayle, suggested it after attending an event at Winsford Academy which saw ladies of all ages and abilities take part in a session the school.

This evolved into a small group meeting up to plan the first tournament, which was held later that same year.

This year’s tournament, played at the school on July 6, will hopefully be the biggest yet with 16 teams each made up of ten people expected to compete.

The action gets underway at 9am, with 70 games to be played in total.

There will be coffee and food vans, face glitter and a cake sale before the fundraising festivities move to The Gate Inn at around 3pm.

At the pub there will be entertainment provided by singer Jezz Whitmore and magician Christopher Hickey as well as a raffle.

Tickets for the raffle cost £1 per strip and can be purchased in advance by contacting lisa.ren@hotmail.co.uk.