Dance group superstars excited about stage return

About 1,000 people are expected at BBC Northampton's Make a Difference Awards Ceremony

The founder of an inclusive dance school said its performers were looking forward to getting back on stage after celebrating its fifth anniversary.

Northampton-based Born to Perform shot to fame four years ago in ITV's Britain's Got Talent, when the group reached the semi-finals.

The dance school will be performing at BBC Radio Northampton's Make a Difference Awards Ceremony 2025 at the town's Royal & Derngate theatre later.

Co-founder Charlotte Ashby said the performers were "superstars" who were excited to participate in "a huge celebration of all the amazing work" the awards celebrate.

"It's our fifth anniversary and we've just had our big celebration party at the weekend for our students, families and carers," said Ms Ashby.

Born to Perform meets every day, Monday to Friday, at the Deco Theatre in Northampton and also holds a Saturday school for performers aged from two upwards.

The group came to prominence after auditioning for Britain's Got Talent in April 2022, taking to the stage with a routine based on songs from the musical, Hairspray, after which judge David Walliams hit his golden buzzer.

'Emotional and uplifting'

Ms Ashby said she did not think her performers would be nervous about appearing before an estimated audience of 1,000 people at Derngate, because they were used to being on large stages.

"We'll be doing three performances: A really up-beat song; we've got some sing and sign which I'm sure will be very emotional and uplifting and then we've got our Britain's Got Talent gold buzzer performance," she said.

BBC Make a Difference was set up at the start of the first lockdown in March 2020 to show appreciation for people helping to make life better for others.

Categories include Northamptonshire's Young Hero, The Community Group, the Fundraiser and the Volunteer Award.

The ceremony will be hosted by BBC Radio Northampton presenters Bernie Keith and Annabel Amos from 19:00 BST.