IT is the phenomenon that has already sold more than 1.5 million tickets.

Now a Warrington sibling duo have formed a partnership with the renowned Bongo’s Bingo which is poised to bring their new company into the big time just months after launch.

Bongo’s Bingo is a unique social experience where traditional bingo meets dance-offs and various random moments, such as the appearance of special celebrity guests, which make every event different.

Neil Lofthouse, who launched Square Fish Events with his sister Steph Cooper in 2020, previously worked alongside Bongo’s Bingo for about four years.

At the time the former St Gregory’s student worked for a company called Mission Mars as head of sales and events where he would oversee many of Bongo’s Bingo shows at the Albert Hall in Manchester.

“So we’d been working together for a few years and when I decided to step away and set up my own company they reached out,” Neil said.

On the strength of that relationship, Square Fish Events has now been asked to look after Bongo’s Bingo private events such as work parties.

And that show of faith means a lot to Neil, especially given the current era.

Neil, who studied performing arts at Priestley, added: “It’s been a scary time. When we decided to set up an events business during a pandemic, people were like: ‘Are you crazy?’

“But it was something we wanted to do for a while and the situation created an opportunity where we had the time on our hands to develop it in the background.

“To then have a giant like Bongo’s Bingo trust in us and have the faith in that relationship was just phenomenal.”

If you are unfamiliar with Bongo’s Bingo, the ‘crazy’ concept might be a little bit difficult to get your head around – so we asked Neil to elaborate.

He said: “Basically it’s a mix of traditional bingo with an insane immersive experience with dance offs and rave rounds.

“There are sometimes guest appearances so you could have something like a 90s band doing a set after the show.

“It’s like the ultimate entertainment show so if people are looking for something a bit different to a meal out or a concert, this is just pumping from the moment you get in there.

“One of my highlights was when we did an amazing joint venture with HideOut, a charity for young people, and we teamed up with Beverley Knight.

“She performed with us and it was a great charity event across Manchester. That was a really epic show.

Warrington Guardian:

“I’ve had some great moments just attending shows with friends and family as well.

“On one night out they teamed up with Kelis, who is a US phenomenon and chart-topper and that was fantastic.

“It’s on another level and it brings people together whether it’s a work do, a charity event or just a night out. That’s what I love about it.

“It’s never the same and that’s why people go back again and again.”

Neil will now take that concept and, when restrictions allow, bring it to private events.

The 36-year-old reckons there is a lot of scope for putting the Square Fish stamp on the bookings and making them his own – organising events of all sizes.

Neil, who grew up in Woolston, added: “We’re in talks with lots of different companies so Bongo’s Bingo could be used for things like product launches or celebrating new partnerships where they invite guests and clients.

“We’ve also got a lot of clients coming up who want to do something special to welcome people back to the office.

“People are a little bit nervous at the moment so I think having something amazing to look forward to as they reunite with their team at work is going to be really good.

“We can build a marquee on the grounds of their offices and do a huge welcome back party. After such a terrible year I think people want something to look forward to.”

Neil always loved the limelight. One of his first performances was West Side Story at St Gregory’s.

After a 10-year career as a performer on stages across the world, Neil decided to move into the management side of the entertainment and events industry.

Before coming home to work for Mission Mars, he also spent time in Australia where he worked in the corporate and private sector, delivering more than 500 events.

Neil teamed up with his sister to go out on his own with Square Fish – with Steph bringing her 20 years’ experience from the recruitment business.

He said: “I’ve always loved working with different people and being creative and seeing something come together from a shared vision. I’ve never been one to sit at a desk 9 to 5.

“To be in the events industry you definitely have to be organised.

“You have to be personable and be good at striking up relationships with people.

“You also have to be creative as well as a lot of clients rely on you doing that creative thinking for them – coming up with cool concepts and ways to engage with the team.”