A SWINDON dance group will receive a royal audience during a special visit next month.

The Duke of Kent will be visiting Swindon Dance to see first-hand the work the group does to bring world-class dance development to the town.

During the visit, set for October 27, the Duke will visit the dance group’s base at Regent’s Circus to watch a selection of classes in ballet and contemporary.

He will also be treated to a small performance by some of Swindon Dance’s youth dancers, both past and present.

His Royal Highness, who is the Queen’s cousin, has a keen interest in The Royal Ballet and providing opportunities for young people to develop in dance.

His wife, Katharine, the Duchess of Kent, founded the Future Talent charity, which aims to give every child the chance to excel in music.

And during his visit, he will have the opportunity to speak to a variety of young dancers from the group, who have accessed dance through its various youth and community-outreach initiatives.

Marie McCluskey, CEO and artistic director of Swindon Dance, said she was thrilled to be welcoming the Duke to the town.

“We are delighted to be hosting the Duke during his visit to Swindon,” she said.

“It will be a great opportunity to tell him about our work, which is to provide high-quality dance development for anyone and everyone who wants to take part.

“We hope the Duke’s visit will help shine a light on the importance of funding high-quality dance/arts provision and the access to it, so that it can be enjoyed by amateur dancers and budding professionals alike.”

And she said the visit would be a chance to highlight the artistic culture of Swindon.

“We also hope that his visit will highlight Swindon’s artistic and cultural offer as a prominent centre for dance and the arts in Wiltshire and the South West,” she added.

“We are honoured to be part of this special visit.”