Darlington Dance Festival returns this weekend as part of the Coronation celebrations, and everyone is welcome.

This year’s festival has a royal theme as it takes place on Sunday, May 7 as part of a jam-packed weekend of activities.

Dance schools and community groups from across the town will come together in the Market Place from 2pm to take part in workshops and watch performances by Urban Kaos and Socharo Bollywood dancers.

The event will start and end with a big group dance, a specially choregraphed routine which local dancers, schools and community groups are learning ahead of the event.

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It is hoped more than 500 people of all ages will perform the royal-themed dance at 2pm and 3pm, getting everyone in the mood for the Coronation concert which will be live-streamed in the Market Place from Windsor Castle later in the day. 

Joanne Scott, chair of Darlington Dance Festival Association, said: “This is our 11th year and we are honoured that the festival is forming part of the town’s Coronation celebrations.

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“We would like to thank our choreographers for putting the dance together and hope lots of people will come down to watch the performances and get involved.

“There’s still time to learn the mass dance and take part - check out our Facebook page for more information.”