SATURDAY shoppers will be slipping into their dancing shoes as part of annual dance festival celebrations.

Groups of professional and amateur dancers from across Darlington will be teaming up to show off their skills after spending months in rehearsals for the mass dance show.

The town’s Market Square will be taken over between from 1pm this afternoon (July 1) by the hour-long dance off which includes a variety of styles and routines.

Darlington Mayor and Mayoress, Councillors Brian and Doris Jones, will official open the show before the talented troupes take to the stage.

Workshops for would-be dancers of all ages will be running alongside the main show for those keen in trying Zumba and Salsa dancing.

A Darlington Borough Council spokeswoman said: “The festival will bring together professional and amateur dancers of all types and abilities to share their love of dancing.

“Dance schools and community groups have been busy learning the mass dance, choreographed by Darrien Wright, of DanceWright Studio, and Debbie Harbin, of The D Project Dance Company, in their local schools, dance schools and in the Dolphin Centre.

“The Darlington Dance Association did not receive any funding for the event this year and is hoping to receive support from all involved and the general public to continue this fantastic event for years to come.”

More than 20 dance companies from across Darlington will be showcasing their routines and everyone is welcome to join the festival.