NEARLY 2,000 young performers will take to the stage this month.
The Wigan Borough Dance Festival, returning for its ninth year in March 2026, will feature 1,910 dancers from 95 schools and groups.
The event will be held at The Edge Arena in Wigan from March 24 to 28.
Led by the Spirix Collective, the festival is one of the biggest celebrations of dance for children and young people, offering a professional platform for children and young people to perform.
Amy Hodgson, lead producer and founding director of Spirix Collective, said: "The Wigan Borough Dance Festival has become a key part of Wigan’s cultural calendar and a real entitlement for the children and young people of Wigan.
"Each year, many young people look forward to their opportunity to be part of the festival, to step onto a professional stage, share their creativity and feel proud of what they have achieved together.
"I am incredibly proud of the Spirix team for achieving what often feels impossible every year.
"An event of this scale and size is delivered by a small team of dedicated and passionate artists and producers who work tirelessly to make sure every young person has their moment on stage."
The event is proudly non-competitive, focusing on encouragement, self-expression, and collaboration.
This year’s theme, Together We Dance, highlights the festival’s mission to unite people across schools, communities, and cultures.
The finale will feature a carnival-inspired group performance.
A key focus for 2026 will be encouraging more boys and young men to take part in dance.
The festival is designed to raise aspirations, help build confidence, and develop choreography skills through workshops and creative support.
Programme highlights include the Wigan Schools Platforms, which will run from Tuesday to Thursday.
A special performance from Collide, a male-identifying company from the Northern School of Contemporary Dance, will be featured.
The Greater Manchester Schools Platform will take place on Friday, featuring performances from Company Chameleon, Edge Hill University, and Spirix Creatives.
The festival will close with a dance showcase involving all participating schools.
The Wigan Borough Dance Festival is supported by Arts Council England, Wigan Council, and the Granada Foundation.
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