Chorley gets set for Mayor's charity Bollywood Ball

Chorley Mayor coun Hasina Khan wearing her myoral chains in all her civic glory in front of museum and art gallery, Astley Hall

The Mayor’s Ball is the highlight of the fund-raising year and with the extra twist, it promises to be a night to remember.

Coun Khan, who is also the first Asian woman to hold the position of mayor in Lancashire, said: “This year is a one off. I’ve been attending the ball for years.

“It’s the first time I’ve had the opportunity.

“It’s also the first time there’s an Asian mayor and I wanted to bring a bit of culture into it in a fun way.”

The Bollywood Ball on Valentine’s Day boasts Punjabi drummers, Bollywood dancers, an Asian buffet and a DJ who mixes Bhangra with music from the UK.

Coun Khan said: “I’ve never been to such an event in Chorley.

“There’s a lot on in other boroughs so I thought why not do something different and it’s been well received.

“We’ve already sold 175 of 200 tickets so I’m confident it’s going to sell out.”

Coun Khan is “looking forward” to the Bollywood Ball but she hasn’t got a dress yet.

“The style is evening dresses and black tie,” she said. “It doesn’t have to be ball gowns but we want to se the men in suits and ties.

“I haven’t got my dress yet but I want it to be something Asian. I’m a last minute person.”

An auction on the night will host a big prize give away and coun Khan’s chosen charities include children’s hospice Derian House, Chorley British Legion, Home Start and Environmental Projects in Chorley (Epic).

“I’m really looking forward to it,” said coun Khan.

“It’s been a fantastic year and I’m hoping that this will be a really multicultural event.”

By hosting a Bollywood Ball as the centrepiece as her year as Mayor, coun Khan hopes it will spark more such events in town.

“I normally have to go out of town to enjoy a cultural event,” she said. “I want to kick start more events like this in Chorley. It also helps with community cohesion and integration.”

The Mayor’s Valentine’s Bollywood Ball is set to take place on Friday, February 14 at The Lancastrian at Chorley Town Hall in Market Street. It starts at 6.45pm with the buffet at 7.30pm and carriages are at midnight.

Tickets are £30. Contact 01257 515113 [email protected]