There was lots of colour, music and bells when eight dance sides from near and far joined the Sidmouth Steppers Day of Dance, helping the club to celebrate its 20th anniversary.

Sidmouth Herald: Sidmouth Steppers celebrateSidmouth Steppers celebrate (Image: Archant)

Based on the lawn of Kennaway House, the day started with a music session and the opening of the local craft and food stalls as the visiting teams arrived.

At 11am an hour of dancing took place with each side showcasing their styles before dividing up to dance outside The Anchor pub, on the seafront and at Kennaway.

During the much needed lunch break (in the shade of the Kennaway trees) Sid Vale Folk choir performed. Tess Bisson, choir master, had specially chosen songs with dance as the theme.

The lunch break gave people the opportunity to pop next door to the museum to see the display Ann Tanner has created to showcase Sidmouth Steppers and Sidmouth Folk Festival.

Sidmouth Herald: Sidmouth Steppers celebrateSidmouth Steppers celebrate (Image: Archant)

George the Sidmouth Giant joined in the fun and was another attraction outside the Anchor pub before walking up to Kennaway.

The afternoon saw the teams back out dancing on the various dance spots before a finale dance back at Kennaway.

Publicity officer Alexa Baker said: “The response from the public was fantastic and the atmosphere was amazing. The day had a real feel good factor about it from start to finish, it was a real team effort and that showed.”

Liz Clode, squire and original member of Sidmouth Steppers thanked Maggi Lambert, Martin Pratt and Alexa Baker for organising the day and the team of willing helpers and everyone for coming and making it such a fantastic day to remember and to Sidmouth Town Council for the grant we received that enabled us to put on the event.

Sidmouth Herald: Dance teams from near and far at Kennaway HouseDance teams from near and far at Kennaway House (Image: Archant)

Sidmouth Steppers chosen charity of the year is Devon Air Ambulance Trust.

Special thanks were offered to local ceramist Joy Davis of Potty Joy who auctioned off six pottery figures of Sidmouth Steppers and to Liz Clode who made beaded Sidmouth Steppers and angels. Both of them donated the money raised, £200, to DAAT, taking the total raised so far to £1,500.

If you want to catch more of the Sidmouth Steppers they can be found on Sidmouth seafront on Tuesday evenings from 7.30pm, weather permitting, and will be joining the invited dance sides during Sidmouth Folk Festival.

Sidmouth Herald: Sidmouth Steppers celebrateSidmouth Steppers celebrate (Image: Archant)

Sidmouth Herald: Dancing on the seafront during the Day of DanceDancing on the seafront during the Day of Dance (Image: Archant)

Sidmouth Herald: Memorabilia from twenty years of Sidmouth SteppersMemorabilia from twenty years of Sidmouth Steppers (Image: Archant)