THE Covid era has seen events of every kind go online as we strive to find ways to stay connected.

Now even bingo has gone virtual thanks to a Great Sankey presenter and event director.

Pete Pinnington launched the online version of his ‘Bingo Bedlam’ – complete with prizes – over Christmas to raise money for Warrington charities including The Shannon Bradshaw Trust, Warrington Disability Partnership and JUMP Children’s Charity.

His next session is this Saturday between 7pm and 10.

Hundreds of families have already played the interactive show, which Pete sees as his response to the Covid restrictions which have been challenging for families and devastating for charities.

He said: “It’s been a difficult year for charities and for my live events business, so I decided to take my popular Bingo Bedlam show online to raise much needed funds for three Warrington charities.

“The first on Boxing Day was to establish if the show could be done smoothly online and the feedback was so incredible, we decided to do it again on New Year’s Eve.

Warrington Guardian: Bingo BedlamBingo Bedlam

A family enjoying virtual bingo

“With only four days to promote it, we were amazed how many people signed up.

“The New Year’s Eve Show had nearly 500 people taking part across Warrington and Cheshire with some families also playing along in Portsmouth, Kent and Scotland.”

The bingo sessions cost £5 per person or £15 for a family-of-five with the bingo books emailed or posted.

Dave Thompson, chief executive of Warrington Disability Partnership (WDP), said: “It is fantastic that Pete has taken his Bingo Bedlam show online and that Warrington Disability Partnership is one of the charities to benefit.

“This year has been difficult for all charities and WDP is no different. Both online shows over the festive period have been a huge success and we really appreciate what Pete is doing for us in raising much needed funds.”

Pete added: “My ethos has always been to support Warrington charities and community groups whenever I can and hosting an online event when the charities are unable to fundraise themselves seemed an obvious solution.

“Now we’re going through another full lockdown, this online bingo show provides much needed fun for families while also supporting some great charities.”

To sign up for Bingo Bedlam and to keep up to date with future sessions visit facebook.com/bingobedlamfun