“Mayworth is the largest line dance event in the Southern Hemisphere” said Chris Watson, Director of the Australian Country Dance Festival. After a year long hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, “it’s very exciting to get back on the dancefloor”.
Usually, the festival welcomes pro line dancers from all around the world, but of course with COVID-19, this year the festival will showcase the best and biggest names in the Australian line dancing community. The Australian Country Dance Festival will be held at the prestigious Tamworth Town Hall from the 29th of April until the 2nd of May.
“Our capacity this year is a little different, at the venue the max capacity is around 375 people at any one time,” said Mr Watson.
“With over 200 competitors throughout the four day event, as well as spectators and people who want to get involved in the social dancing workshops, we have to provide a Covid-Safe Mayworth with reduced numbers”.
The Town Hall is “a dream venue” where spacing will not be an issue as there is a spectator gallery area as well as plenty of seating opportunities at tables surrounding the dance floor.
The festival was founded in 2002 and hosts a variety of different activities and shows. You can expect “everything line dancing” from workshop dancing (for all levels), four nights of social dancing, the Australian Line Dance Ball & Awards, choreography, vendors and competition dancing. The Festival also includes the Australian Masters, the only event in Australia where you can qualify to dance at the World Dance Masters in Blackpool, England.
The event is expected to draw in over 300 visitors, with five Australian states and territories represented.
Line Dance Hall of Fame members Chris Watson and Simon Ward, Multi award winners Maddison Glover, Stephen Paterson, Jenifer and John Hughes, Paul Snooke Rhys and Donna Pearce, Kevin and Maria Smith, Jessica Lamb, Adrian Lefebour, Kevin Dale and Wendy Hughes are just some of the talents set to lead workshops and show off in competition.
“The Australian Country Dance Festival will bring a great crowd into town and give a great boost for the local economy,” said Mr Watson.
“Visitors are staying for four or five nights; they’re eating at local pubs and cafes and hopefully taking a moment to look in our shops and what Tamworth has to offer”.