ONE of the biggest highlights of the local dance calendar for performers and audiences is Exeter Dance Festival.

For those taking part it is an opportunity to showcase their talent, and those watching get to enjoy an entertaining week of high quality dance.

The week-long festival returns to its usual venue at Exeter's Barnfield Theatre during half-term from Sunday, February 12, to Saturday, February 18.

For the eighth consecutive year the festival has had a record number of entries, peaking so far at around 1,200, coming from far and wide.

It is open to children aged four to 20 and offers a spectacular week of ballet, modern, tap, character, and song and dance competition.

Every year the incredible talent of the youngsters who enter never fails to amaze festival organiser Sue Bonnett.

"The talent that's around in the South West is incredible," enthused Sue, who runs Dawlish Dance Studio.

"Every year I sit there and think these children are amazing. We get everything – ballet, tap, modern, jazz, street dance, hip-hop, song and dance, mime, and they are performed by solo dancers, duets, trios, groups, you name it! As the festival is held during half-term we are lucky because it makes the programme fairly varied. One minute you can be watching a five-year-old ballet dancer followed by a 10-year-old tap group."

Highlights of the packed programme include the Championship, made up of solo winners of various age and dance categories, on Friday, February 17. The presentation of the highly sought-after Young Dancer Award will be given by guest dancer Damien Delaney who has starred in many West End shows. And the Gala Night on Saturday, February 18.

Sue revealed: "The gala is the winners' concert and during it the Performance Award is given, so each act is judged. It's a lovely evening and it's not just for parents and families of the children. Throughout the week it is always surprising how many people just come along to watch and see something to aspire to."

All the competitors are judged by an adjudicator. This year they will have to impress Craig Bartley, a professional adjudicator for the British and International Federation of Music, Dance and Drama Festivals.

The cost is £2 per morning, afternoon or evening session. Tickets for the Championship, starting at 5.45pm, cost £6, and tickets for the Gala Night, at 7pm, cost £6. For tickets call 01392 270891 or visit www.barnfieldtheatre.org.uk.