MORE than 1,000 children of all ages strapped on their dancing shoes to take part in a ‘fantastic’ festival.

Blackburn with Darwen Council held their 12th annual ‘Celebration of Dance’ at King George’s Hall over two nights.

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Around 20 schools took to the stage each night to perform in front of more than 500 guests.

A variety of dances from different cultures were on show from the secondary and primary schools including contemporary, folk and jazz.

Andy Lavin, who organised the event for Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “It’s been fantastic, it was a really uplifting event that went down really well with everyone who came to see it.

“All the kids were really nervous going on stage each night, but they were just bouncing by the end.”