An annual community event which has been held every year in Alsager for the last 50 years is no longer taking place but instead it's being replaced by a new charity fundraiser.

The Grand Variety Show has been held in the town for the last half a century by Alsager and District Round Table but the round table say rising costs mean they can no longer afford to stage the event.

Now they are holding a charity fundraiser in February called 'Round Table Live and Local' instead which they hope will be equally as popular.

A spokesperson from Alsager Round Table said: "After 50 great years it is with much regret that Alsager and District Round Table must announce that this great community event will not be going ahead moving forward.

"For many years the Grand Variety Show has been a collaboration between a number of local community organisations, but with a background of rising costs and differing priorities for other organisations, Round Table are the sole organisation left to fund and run the event.

"The format for the event has been to provide entertainment and refreshments for around 200 senior citizens on each of a Saturday and Sunday evening in early spring, with transport being provided for those who can't make it under their own steam - all completely free.

The Grand Variety Show has been held for the last 50 years but a new community fundraising event is now replacing it. (Photo: Alsager Round Table)

"John Grint MBE founded the event when he was in Round table back in 1975 and has been chiefly responsible for organising the event each year.

"John has compered and acted as resident comedian for every single one of the shows staged since, historically at the Civic Centre with amateur acts and in recent years at Alsager Social Club using professional acts.

"Given the fantastic work Round Table do throughout the year in Alsager, including Carnival, Bonfire, the Christmas lights display and the Santa float it is not feasible for them to solely fund and run this event too, even with the help of the 'retired' tablers organisation 41 club.

"Alsager and District Round Table would like to thank all the Alsager organisations that have contributed over the years.

"They include Rotary, Tangent, Ladies Circle, 41 club and Lions. Special thanks go to John Grint MBE, without whose tireless enthusiasm and drive the last 50 years could not have happened

"From the bottom of our hearts, we would also like to thank all of you out there who have sat in the audience, some of you for many years.

"Please come along to our new event which we're organising to go in place of this one. Everyone is welcome and it will be a fantastic occasion. Come and celebrate 2026 with us!"

'Round Table Live and Local' is taking place in February. (Photo: Alsager Round Table)

'Round Table Live and Local' takes place on 28 February at Radway Social Club from 7 pm until 11 pm. It features 'Tokyo Misfires' plus a night of 80s and 90s music plus a charity raffle.

Tickets cost £10 plus a booking fee and all money raised will go towards putting on local family events such as the Santa tour, Alsager lights switch-on and Alsager Carnival.

A spokesperson said: "Alsager Round Table do so much for our town and they are all volunteers and depend on fund raising. We hand out donations to other charites and community projects and we value everyone's support. Please join us at this great event."

Tickets, which include a free glow stick to dance and party with, can be bought here

Want to know more about Alsager?

Free from clickbait, pop-up ads and unwanted surveys, Alsager Nub News is a quality online newspaper for our town.

Please consider following Alsager Nub News on Facebook or Twitter

You can also sign up for our weekly newsletter here - it features the top five stories of the week