The first Festival was held in 1993 and developed from small beginnings to include international groups from Holland and the Czech republic as well as other groups from the UK demonstrating both Scottish and other traditions.

Over the last two years, it has included groups from Cornwall, Ireland, Wales and Scotland offering colourful, professional performances. Individuals also travel from many parts of the UK to attend the festival, and join in the lively sociable dancing over the weekend.

The highlights of the weekend include the street parade and a demonstration by all the attending groups, free of charge, in the Strand Hall, Builth Wells, on Saturday afternoon.

The workshops, featuring different dance traditions, are also open to all for a small charge and offer an opportunity to learn dance techniques from experts.

Scottish dance workshops are available for all standards and are held on Saturday morning.

The best part of the weekend is meeting with people who love dancing and love to share their enthusiasm.

The BBQ on Friday night often ends with musicians giving impromptu concerts, but on Saturday night there is a Scottish Country dance for those who have some knowledge of Scottish dances and a ceiledh for those who prefer a less formal atmosphere.

On Sunday, after another day of workshops, everyone joins together in the evening for a Final Fling.

After such an energetic weekend most people are exhausted but exhilarated enough to want to come back the following year.

The Builth Wells Scottish Country Dance Group meets regularly on a Monday night from 7.30 pm to 9.30 pm for social dancing.

Members travel from a radius of 20 miles to attend and more members are always welcome.

A demonstration team, Celtic Links, which grew out of the group, has performed at many events locally and abroad, and leads informal ceiledhs as well."

Written by Avril Barnes from the Builth Wells Dance Festival.