Nearly 30 schools from all over the county strutted their stuff in the first Key Stage One Dance Festival.

A total of 440 children trod in the footsteps of stars like Paloma Faith and James Blunt at the Bath Forum between June 21 and 23.

They had practised their performances over the last term in PE classes and after school clubs.

Staged by West Wilts school games organiser Selwyn Widger, the festival was an opportunity to celebrate dance using the theme of books like Elmer, The Gruffalo’s Child, Where the Wild Things Are, Aliens Like Underpants, Fantastic Mr Fox and Kitchen Disco. More than 1,200 tickets were sold to friends, family, parents and guardians who came to show their support.

Selwyn said: "It was great to provide an opportunity for our youngest dancers to perform on the big stage at a glorious venue and they definitely stepped up!"

One teacher said: “We all really enjoyed ourselves and the children just wanted to get back up on stage, which was fantastic considering how young they are.”

The festival was supported by students from Kingdown School in Warminster who were responsible for chaperoning the primary schools, leading group activities and running the evening performances.

One of the organisers, Caroline Newman, known as The Dance Lady, said: “We are so chuffed with how the first key stage one event went! The children clearly all had fun and a great experience from dancing at the Forum, on a huge stage and in front of the large audience. A big well done to the Acorn Leaders, who efficiently and professionally ran a large scale event.”

There was a special performance from Kingdown School’s key stage three dance club: The Kingdown Dance Company.

The club is new this year and aimed at Year 7 and 8, to give them a fun environment to dance with other students their age. Hannah and Lexi, both current year 7s at Kingdown School, have not missed a session this year and both were part of the performance at the festival. Hannah said: “Dance has helped me overcome my nerves. I had some stage fright before the performance but having the other members of our dance company with me really helped.”

Next year’s event is due to be held between 20-22nd June.”