A celebration of dance and musical theatre
Showcasing a wide range of dance styles, ages and abilities reaching far beyond Berkshire whilst providing exciting opportunities to watch, participate and engage in the world of dance.
Dance professionals, students of dance and audience members come together for this annual extravaganza of cutting-edge performances, dance masterclasses, Dance on Screen cinema screenings, and stunning community showcases.
Initially founded in 2001 by Auriole Wells (South Hill Park Dance Officer) and Jeannette Brookes (Dance Facilitator for Bracknell Forest Council), South Hill Park took full ownership of the festival under the artistic direction of Lena Dee from 2009.
Each year the festival hosts several dance performances by the local community and professional dance companies, alongside a variety of dance workshops, cinema screenings, live dance performances broadcast from around the globe, and dance-inspired exhibitions.
Professional dance companies who have performed their own evenings’ work during the festival include; StopGap, Tavaziva Dance, Sonia Sabri, Jasmin Vardimon to name but a few.
The festival has grown in size and ambition since its inception and the galas now not only showcase local dance talent from Berkshire but also dancers from Surrey, Hampshire and London and surrounding areas. The galas include performances and workshops led by professional dancers and choreographers so participants and audience members get to see where years of hard dance training can lead – helping to inspire and give insight into the world of professional dance.
Each year, new elements are added to the festival to widen the appeal for those learning, performing or watching the events. This includes the recent addition of broadcasting live ballet performances from prestigious opera houses around the world.
Whether you are a seasoned performer or theatre goer, or new to the world of dance, there is something to interest all tastes. It’s a truly great way to experience the art form.
Please contact Lena Dee at liftoffdance@nullgmail.com for information on how to take part in the festival or for more information on this year’s event.
Lift Off Festival 2026
Shows and Performances
Youth and Community Gala 1
Sat 7 March 7pm | Wilde Theatre
£17, good and best friends £14, U18s £13
Groups from Berkshire, Surrey, Hampshire, London, and surrounding areas, apply to take part in these hugely popular galas – showcasing the passion that dancers aged 6yrs, to those in their 80s, have for different styles of dance.
Youth groups, community groups, schools and special guest professional dancers come together to present an evening of dance entertainment for families and dance enthusiasts alike.
For more information, click here. Book your tickets online or through the Box Office on 01344 484123.
Youth and Community Gala 2
Sun 8 March 7pm | Wilde Theatre
£17, good and best friends £14, U18s £13
Groups from Berkshire, Surrey, Hampshire, London, and surrounding areas, apply to take part in these hugely popular galas – showcasing the passion that dancers aged 6yrs, to those in their 80s, have for different styles of dance.
Youth groups, community groups, schools and special guest professional dancers come together to present an evening of dance entertainment for families and dance enthusiasts alike.
For more information, click here. Book your tickets online or through the Box Office on 01344 484123.
Musical Theatre Gala
Sat 14 March 7pm | Wilde Theatre
£17, good and best friends £14, U18s £13
Celebrating song and dance from well-known and newer musicals, this gala will delight audiences of all ages. Performers of all ages and experience will take you on an emotional journey through the ages of Musical Theatre; showcasing classic numbers from the golden era of stage to more recent productions that have become instant classics. Expect an uplifting, feel-good evening of entertainment.
For more information, click here. Book your tickets online or through the Box Office on 01344 484123.
Berkshire’s Got Talent Gala
Sat 25 April 7pm | Wilde Theatre
£17, good and best friends £14, U18s £13
The best talents in Berkshire come together to showcase a wide range of entertaining acts in this family friendly gala. South Hill Park’s very own Bracknell’s Got Talent Winner from 2013, and recent Britain’s Got Talent Semi-Finalist, Felix Clements, will also come home to give an exclusive street dance performance back on the Wilde Theatre stage, where it all began.
For more information, click here. Book your tickets online or through the Box Office on 01344 484123.
Dance Masterclasses
Sat 7 – Sun 8 March | Dance Studio
A series of dance masterclasses, taught by professional dancers and choreographers, covering a range of styles including: contemporary, ballet, commercial, street dance, jazz and more. Open to all ages and abilities.
More information coming soon…
If you would like more information about participating in the festival, please either complete the form below or email Lena Dee directly.
Please check back to this page for updates as the program is finalised.