Started 15 years ago by fiddler and artist Pixie Jenkins, Tamworth New Vogue Dance Group is continuing on the tradition and hopes everyone kicks up their heels with them.

Dance group chairperson Kayleen Hema said they would be doing dances that everyone knew with Patti Bond and Tony Gilbert providing the music.

“They are an internationally-renowned dance band,” she said. “We’ll be doing new vogue dancing. The dances are known to all dance groups and we want to cater to everybody.” 

Priceeds from the ball will benefit Ronald McDonald House, Tamworth, along with a raffle.

Mrs Hema said the ball was a festival tradition and attracted people from as far as Mackay, Bundaberg, Sydney, Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour, Armidale and Gunnedah.

“A lot of people use it to stay on at festival after the ball,” she said. “This is a great opportunity for people to use their formal clothing.”

If dancing isn’t your thing, for a gold coin donation you can go up to the gallery and watch the proceedings instead.

There will be more than 3000 Swirl and Twirl dancer shoes for sale on the night, along with skirts and jewellery and photographer Nita Read will take photos on the night.

You can start kicking your heels up from 8pm at the Tamworth Town Hall, with the last note played at 1am, which makes it the first event of the official festival period.

Put your dancing finery on and head to the town hall to welcome in the country music season, knowing you’re helping out sick children and their families.

There will also be dance events at Currabubula and Jubilee Hall in Marius St, Tamworth during the festival, with the program available at the ball.