Preview: London Swing Festival, 26-30 May

caroliner
By caroliner Last edited 154 months ago
Preview: London Swing Festival, 26-30 May

Running from this Thursday to Bank Holiday Monday, the second London Swing Festival will feature workshops, parties and more swingers than a Berlusconi house party. Run by Swing Patrol, who host fun and accessible dance classes all over London, this vintage-infused festival is a great chance for both experienced dancers and novices to learn, compete and mingle with hundreds of enthusiasts from around the world.

The highlight is set to be Friday's Jitterbug Championships, which will feature competitions for dancers of all levels (entry starts from £10) alongside opportunities for social dancing and an irresistible soundtrack. The festival also includes all day workshops, balls and an exhausting-sounding 'Last Man Standing' late party that lets you dance until 7am in a Hackney warehouse.

You've got until the end of today to register for workshops, although social event tickets are available on the door. Options range from full weekend packages (£165) to single event entry for both spectators and dancers (from £5). If you're looking for a more sedate option, however, then you can always pop down to Spitalfields market at 4pm on 30 May to see over 500 dancers bid for a place in the 2012 Olympic ceremony. They'll be doing a routine learned during the festival to live accompaniment from the Jive Aces and you can find full details here.

Whatever your preference, we're sure you'll find something to put a swing in your step.

The London Swing Festival runs from Thursday evening to Monday 30 May at various venues around London. For full details and tickets see here.

Last Updated 24 May 2011