THE annual Wyre Forest Dance Festival returns to the district during February half term.

The popular six day event attracts performers from local and other dance schools across the Midlands, to compete at Stourport Civic Theatre from Saturday, February 14, to Friday, February 20.

The event is organised by The Dance Festival Committee, with the help of Wyre Forest District Council.

The wealth of talent continues to be of a high standard and those from five to 25 will be performing in all disciplines of dance.

This year’s festival is an All England Qualifying Festival, which means that participants who obtain high scores will have the chance to compete in regional finals in Cheltenham in May. If they are successful there, they may go onto the national finals in London in the summer.

Wyre Forest Dance Festival is also accepting entries for a national competition in Theatre Dance. As part of the festival, there is a qualifying heat of Miss Dance and Dance Master UK. This will take place on Tuesday, February 17, at approximately 8pm. All competitors must be 16 years of age by March 31, 2015. The closing date for entries is Saturday, February 7, and costs £6. The winners will attend the final in June.

Last year, more than 1000 people attended the festival, giving local performers and dance schools the opportunity to perform to large and receive valuable recognition and feedback from the adjudicators.

Councillor Anne Hingley, Wyre Forest District Council’s cabinet member for health, well-being and housing, said: “Wyre Forest Dance festival prides itself on the quality of the competition it attracts and the friendly atmosphere that is evident to all who attend.

“For many, this competition is the first step in sparking a career in professional dancing and we are proud to be part of it.”

Each day the festival will start at 9am, and finish at approximately 9pm most evenings and spectators are invited to come along. Entry is £4 for adults, £2 for children and £3 for senior citizens. Weekly tickets can also be purchased.

Programmes are £2.50 a copy, and are available from Kidderminster Town Hall between 9am and 2pm (Monday-Friday) and Stourport Civic Theatre Hall between 11am and 1pm (Saturdays only).

For regular updates, visit the ‘Friends of Wyre Forest Dance Festival’ Facebook page.