Localism fund supports Dance Festival

Dancers will get the chance to compete in the popular Wyre Forest Dance Festival again this February half term, thanks to funding from the Council’s Localism Fund.

Wyre Forest District Council has given organisers £2,000 towards the running of the event at the Civic Hall, Stourport-on-Severn.  The grant means Wyre Forest Dance Festival Committee is able to provide a full programme, enabling hundreds of dancers to compete over the 8 days, from Saturday 18 February to Saturday 25 February.

This year’s adjudicator is Geoff Lucas.  Geoff has danced in many big theatre productions and travelled the world as a member of an international harmony group. Geoff will be scoring the performances.  Those dances which attain a qualifying mark can go on to compete in the regional finals of the All England Dance Competition. 

Councillor Marcus Hart, is the Cabinet Member for Localism said:

“The Council is aware of just how popular this festival is in the dancing community. For more than 30 years we have successfully run the event but, in these tough financial times this is no longer possible.  We have worked hard over the past few years to have a smooth handover to the Festival Committee.  They are doing a great job and we wish to continue to support them by making voluntary organisations like the Festival Committee eligible to apply for Localism grants.  It is about working with communities and organisations to support services that meet local needs.”

This year Wyre Forest District Dance Festival has affiliated itself with The Civic Group, and any proceeds from the festival will be put back into the voluntary organisation. 

Jane Bennett, Secretary of Wyre Forest Dance Festival said:

“The Committee is grateful for the continued support from Wyre Forest District Council through the Localism Fund, and is looking forward to our collaboration with The Civic Group. Wyre Forest Dance Festival prides itself on the wonderful atmosphere that the festival exudes. There is fierce competition, but great camaraderie, and many lifelong friendships are made. It is a festival in the real sense of the word, a true ‘celebration’ of Dance.”

The Chairman of The Civic Group, Marsha White said:

“We are delighted that Wyre Forest Dance Festival is associated with The Civic Group and we look forward to enjoying a fabulous week of dance.”

The festival runs from approximately 9am until 8.30pm most days.  Entrance is £5 for adults, and free for children under 16, who are accompanied by an adult.  Programmes cost £2.50 and are now on sale at The Civic Hall, Stourport 10am-2pm Monday to Friday and at the Worcestershire Hub,  Kidderminster.