Streetfest Returns To Yeovil Complete With Musical Celebs

Yeovil Recreation Ground is gearing up for thousands of visitors as national dance stars and dance troupes from across the UK head to Yeovil to perform for free.

Streetfest, the two-day dance and entertainment weekend for the local community returns after attracting crowds of over 7,000 people at its Yeovil debut last year.

Organisers are making the final arrangements before announcing the complete line up, which will include the winner of Sky Tv's Got to Dance 2010 'Akai Got To Dance' as well as stars from ITV's Britain's Got Talent.

Live music, free dance workshops, street sport taster sessions and stalls will be open to the public from 12noon to 9.30pm on Saturday 16 July and from 10.30am to 7pm on Sunday 17 July.

It's all part of a targeted approach by South Somerset District Council and the Local Strategic Partnership's Yeovil Inequalities Programme, with support from Somerset Primary Care Trust and sponsorship from Yarlington Housing Group, to improve health and well being amongst young people in Yeovil – reducing obesity and providing further opportunities for active lifestyles.

Cllr Mike Best, SSDC Chairman explains: "Since last year's event we have seen a huge surge of interest in dance, particularly street dance, for which provision is steadily growing in our area. Dance is emerging as a very popular alternative to traditional forms of exercise, and that can only be a positive thing.

"The idea is to showcase local talent, inspire people to get involved with cultural and sporting activities and generally bring the community together. I am extremely pleased that, working together, we have been able to grasp this opportunity for Yeovil once again."

Streetfest UK has been running dance taster sessions in schools around Yeovil over the past 2 months.

Daniel Rowlandson, Yarlington Housing Group PR & Marketing Co-ordinator, said: "We jumped at the chance to sponsor the event again. This is a great event for all the family and captures the essence of community involvement with local dancers performing alongside well known national acts."

In keeping with the debut event, the weekend will be fully stewarded and no alcohol will be on sale at the event. Organisers are asking people not to bring alcohol along. A professional dance platform and stage will be erected onsite ahead of the weekend.

Any local bands wishing to perform can contact production@streetfestuk.com, you never know what might happen - two record companies from London will be at the event!

Photo: (c) Klee Photography