BURY Hospice is holding a weekend of celebrations to mark its 21st anniversary in style.

Supporters, staff and volunteers will enjoy a glittering ball and a family fun day to recognise the care provided since the hospice opened in June, 1991.

They will also look to the future as the charity prepares to move into a £5 million state-of-the-art hospice, which is being built in Rochdale Old Road, Bury.

Jacqui Comber, the hospice’s general manager, said: “We wanted to launch our 21st anniversary celebrations with two events that would appeal to the whole family.

“Not only are we reflecting on the care and dedication our staff and volunteers have provided for patients and their families, but also the amazing support we have received from the Bury public who have taken us into their hearts over the years.”

The celebrations start on Saturday with a star-studded ball at Manchester United’s Old Trafford stadium.

It will include a cocktail reception and gala dinner, with food supplied by Bury Market fishmonger Hayton Bros, Bury Black Pudding Company and Slattery’s.

There will be an auction, raffle and performance by the Yorkshire Volunteers Corps of Drums.

Guests will also be entertained by star of musical theatre, Prestwich-born Abigail Finley, who is performing free of charge.

She shot to fame in the BBC’s How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria? and went on to play the lead role of Fiona in Blondel in the West End and Serena in the national tour of Fame.

The former King David High School pupil said: “As soon as my agent contacted me to ask me if I would be interested in performing at the event, I knew it was something I wanted to be involved with. I’m very familiar with Bury Hospice and the amazing work they do.

“I will be performing a selection of songs that will be familiar to the audience, while being fun and entertaining.”

The celebrations will continue from noon to 5pm on Sunday with Party In The Park, at Close Park, in Dumers Lane, Radcliffe.

Visitors will be entertained with live music, including Abba and Rihanna tribute acts and winners of the hospice’s School Choir Of The Year contest, Chantlers Primary School.

There will also be refreshments, funfair rides, a zumbathon and a birthday cake, which will be cut at 3pm.

Admission is free.