Wave of enthusiasm for festival's new venue

Published 6 August April 2008

All smiles: Loren Moore, who won in the Class E tap category at the Maryport Open Stage Dance Festival

The £3.3 million Wave centre opened last month after the closure of the Civic Hall, which was the main arts and entertainment centre in the town.

About 70 children are taking part in the Maryport Open Stage Dance Festival, which started yesterday.

Organiser Joan Young said although they had fond memories of the dance festivals at the old Civic Hall, they were fitting in well with the new site.

She said: “It is the first dance festival we have done at the Wave.

We have been running since 1991. I think everyone has fitted in well at the new venue, and a lot of effort has gone into the costumes.

A lot of parents have turned up. Everyone seems to be enjoying it,” added Joan.

The children, aged two upwards, are taking part in all types of dance including tap, modern, national, character and ballet.

The festival is due to finish tomorrow.