The Farnham community was brought together on Sunday in an uplifting and action-packed afternoon that celebrated dance in Farnham.

This is the first year that Farnham Town Council has hosted Dance in the Meadow. It was sponsored by Kidd Rapinet and Tony Fresko and was designed to build on the successful introduction of dance at last year’s Music in the Meadow programme.

The festival opened with a collaborative performance from The Dance Movement and Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures and Re:Bourne, which was specially commissioned by the Farnham Maltings. The dance was an adaptation from Matthew Bourne’s new ballet, The Red Shoes.

Throughout the afternoon the audience of hundreds was treated to performances by more than ten dance schools and groups. The age of the dancers was wide ranging and the dance styles varied from ballet and hip hop to contemporary and street dance.

Councillor Jill Hargreaves, Lead Member for Tourism and Events says: “Dance in the Meadow was a lovely occasion and I was delighted to see such tremendous community spirit. We saw children as young as six performing before an audience for the very first time and a group aimed at people over 70 who love to dance. The event was presented by the Farnham Maltings and The Dance Movement in partnership with Farnham Town Council and was a marvellous success.”

Dance in the Meadow also provided numerous opportunities for audience participation. Break dancing, maypole dancing and a contemporary dance class for disabled and non-disabled participants were just some of the workshops on offer.

Speaking after Dance in the Meadow, lead organiser Rachel Palmer from The Dance Movement said: “Without doubt, the event was a huge success and fulfilled our goal to get people moving and grooving!

“From break dancing to swan dancing, Dance in the Meadow was a true celebration of all the wonderful dance that happens in Farnham. I remember looking around and thinking how good it was to see so many people smiling, dancing and being together. I would like to thank everybody who took part and for all the positive feedback we have received. I’m already looking forward to next year’s event which will be even bigger and better.”

A full list of the dance organisations that took part in Dance in the Meadow can be seen on The Dance Movement’s website.

Music in the Meadow will return to Gostrey Meadow on Sunday 18 June. Farnham Brass Band will provide the music and volunteers from Phyllis Tuckwell will host the refreshment tent. The concert will be sponsored by Kidd Rapinet and Shield Security.