THE cream of the Irish dancing world descended on Swindon this weekend when overmore than 100 dancers battled it out for a glittering podium finish.

The VW Irish Dancing Feis, which was held at the Lydiard Park Academy in Grange Park Way, attracted 110 competitors from across the UKas far afield as Nottingham, Essex and London.

Winners at the highly-anticipated event were awarded gold, silver or bronze medals, trophies and a place on the podium.

Event organiser Vicky Williams, from the Park North based VW Irish dancing school, said the competition is the highlight of the town’s Irish dancing calendar. “It’s the annual competition in Swindon and it’s the place to be if you’re interested in Irish dancing,” she said.

“There are about 250 to 300 Irish dancers in Swindon and that number is growing all the time. It is a difficult discipline to learn but it’s gone really well today.”

Vicky, who has enjoyed Irish dancing since she was five, said the annual competition is a fun way for people to take up a new activity.

“The Irish dancing scene is becoming more popular,” she said.

“It’s a fun way to get involved in the community and people enjoy dancing. People just can’t stop dancing today.”

Dancers competed in primary, intermediate and open categories with competitors channelling the emerald isle by donning dancing shoes, sequined outfits and curly wigs to get their jig on.

Youngsters aged between four and 16 danced in categories including light jig, hop jig, heavy jig, reel and the hornpipe.

Five-year-old Kaycee-Leigh Segelov, who dances for two hours a week at VW Irish dancing, won a medal and trophy in the five-and-under jig category.

Proud parents of the Pinehurst dancer Natalie and Brett said: “We’re so proud of her, she’s been amazing. She’s really happy today, she loves it, she loves the dances and is always dancing round the house.”

Kaycee-Leigh said: “It was great."

Emily Coe, 10, of Lechlade, finished top of the podium for her reel dance and father Brian said he was happy that he had seen Emily’s first major win.

“This is the first time I’ve come down to see Emily today so I was really excited,” he said.

“It’s amazing that she finished top of her group.”

The contenders were marked on precision, pace and quality of delivery by a panel of esteemed judges, including former students Kelly Tribbick and Laura Theobald, who learnt their craft at the Michael McInerney School of Irish Dance in Swindon.