HUNDREDS of performers from dance schools across the Midlands will descend on Wyre Forest for the annual Dance Festival this half term.

The festival is organised by Wyre Forest District Council in association with the Wyre Forest Dance Festival Committee.

It is an extremely popular event and competition for places is tough – so organisers have added an extra day to allow more youngsters from the existing competing schools, the opportunity to take part.

Dancers aged four to 25 will be performing in a whole range of categories from baby ballet to senior modern group numbers. Tap, song and dance and national dance are just a few of the other disciplines.

This year’s adjudicator is Daniel Donaldson-Todd. Daniel trained at Bird College and achieved a BA (Hons) in dance and theatre arts. He also holds a Diploma in Musical Theatre. He has performed in professional shows in the West End, across the country and abroad.

Councillor Sally Chambers, district council’s cabinet member for health, well-being and housing, said: “We have now been involved with the Dance Festival for more than 30 years and its popularity continues to grow.

“For many children starting out dancing this is one of the first places they’ll perform competitively.

“I would encourage anyone with an interest in dance to pop along and see some of very talented youngsters on stage.”

The festival will take place at Stourport’s Civic Hall, between Saturday, February 13, and Saturday, February 20. It will run from approximately 9am to 8.30pm each day.

Entrance is £4 for adults, £3 for senior citizens and £2 for children.

Programmes cost £3 and are now on sale at Kidderminster Town Hall, the Worcestershire Hub and Stourport Civic Theatre Hall.