Crawley-area dance talent is set to take the town by storm with the return of DaM Fest, a two-month celebration of dance in Crawley, with events, activities and performances for all the family.

Organised by Crawley-based DanceHub CIC, the festival promises to showcase the breadth and depth of local dance talent and consolidate Crawley’s growing reputation as a dancing town.

Spokeswoman Rowena Price said: “Last spring, the inaugural DaM Fest 2025 united over 2,000 local people, encouraging creativity, joy, and unity. The festival also created new opportunities for 12 young people from Crawley who are starting to explore careers in dance and the creative industries.

“The activity is backed by partners and supporters including Crawley Borough Council, Arts Council England, and Everyone Active.”

Daran Bennett, executive director & co-founder of DanceHub CIC, said: “At its heart, DaM Fest is about fostering positivity, inclusivity, and empowerment. It’s a chance to connect, create, and celebrate dance and movement in all its forms – whether you’re a performer, audience member, or first-time participant. It’s particularly pleasing that DaM Fest is driven by our young dance leaders, nurturing the local dance talent of the future.”

Rowena added: “On March 7-8, Forward Motion 2026 – the renowned dance showcase that has united local dancers from all walks of life for over 25 years – returns to The Hawth Theatre. From Bollywood to ballet, audiences can expect a joyous celebration of dance and movement that showcases Crawley’s diverse cultures and communities together on the same stage. Forward Motion is the largest event of its kind and features dancers from every single neighbourhood across the town.

“On March 9-10, Let’s Dance Crawley 2026 will bring together schools and colleges from across Crawley for a series of exciting, engaging and inclusive live dance performances. Over 500 young people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds will take the lead and perform at The Hawth Theatre, many for the first time ever. Established in Brighton and developed by the Let’s Dance Trust, Let’s Dance was created to encourage and celebrate mass participation in dance without judgement. It was first brought to Crawley by DanceHub CIC in 2023.”

Jade Hand, development manager and creative agent for change at DanceHub CIC, said: “We’d love as many people as possible to come to watch these dance platform performances and see for themselves the incredible dance talent our town has to offer.”

The events are open to the public, and people from Crawley and beyond are warmly invited to share in the celebrations, with tickets available via The Hawth box office.

On March 14, a free Discovery Day at Crawley’s K2 Leisure Centre will feature a range of free adult and junior dance and movement taster sessions from local dance creatives, groups and teachers.

“Open to all, whether you’re already a dancer or taking your very first steps, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. In 2025, DanceHub was chosen as an Everyone Active Community Champion and is grateful to have free use of K2 to run this event.

“Other DaM Fest activities include an Easter Intensive, two days of free workshops for local young people facing barriers to engagement with dance as part of DanceHub’s Y.E.S. Project programme, delivered in partnership with local schools and community groups.

“DaMFest will end with a day of free dance performances in Crawley Town Centre on April 25, led by local young people and coinciding with International Dance Day 2026.

“All proceeds from ticket sales will fund the future of The Y.E.S. Project in Crawley – DanceHub’s award-winning initiative that engages and empowers young people who face barriers to accessing dance and movement opportunities, helping them to aim high and reach their potential in life.”

Book tickets for Forward Motion and Let’s Dance at www.parkwoodtheatres.co.uk/the-hawth; book Free Discovery Day dance and movement classes at www.dancehub.uk/events/discovery-day-2026/; find out more about DaM Fest at www.dancehub.uk/dam-festival/.