SPAR UK celebrated its 60th anniversary in style, with a celebratory festival at Manchester Central on 14 October.

More than 1,700 people including suppliers, retailers and their families attended the event, which recognised the incredible past, present and future achievements of SPAR in the UK.

Hosted by TV presenter, Angela Scanlon, the festivities on offer included a range of musical performances, a banquet, and non-stop entertainment.

Three retail families who have been with SPAR since it first launched in the UK 60 years ago, received awards to mark their amazing contribution.

Fantastic prizes were up for grabs for SPAR retailers, including a car, tickets to the next SPAR Conference in Tenerife and the biggest surprise of the evening – a 1.5 carat diamond was won by Janet Constable valued at £12,000!

Also at the daylong event, a phenomenal £100,000 was raised for SPAR’s national charity, Marie Curie.

SPAR presented a cheque to Dr Jane Collins, CEO of Marie Curie for £600,000, thanks to funding offered by the National Guild of SPAR and hundreds of different fundraising activities which took place in SPAR stores since the partnership launched in April this year.

Debbie Robinson, SPAR UK Managing Director, said the anniversary weekend marked a celebration of all the fantastic work that has been achieved within the SPAR community over the last 60 years.

“Since launching, SPAR has stood for the idea that through joint cooperation, all benefit. This concept remains true today – our SPAR retailers and wholesalers working together is what has made us such a success.”

SPAR UK has experienced six consecutive years of growth, and with its sales and profits up, the business is in great shape and outperforming its competitors.

“Thanks to our five hugely successful wholesalers, who have years of experience and expertise, as well as our innovative, entrepreneurial retailers, our business is going from strength to strength.

“SPAR has grown stronger over the years, and it is down to the unwavering commitment, partnership and hard work of our retailers and wholesalers that we are able to enjoy such a massive, landmark occasion,” said Robinson.