FRIDAY 22ND NOVEMBER 2024

THE WINTER GARDENS BLACKPOOL

FREE ENTRY

THE BDF NATIONAL CONGRESS IS FREE FOR ALL

FRIDAY 22ND NOVEMBER 2024

WINTER GARDENS BLACKPOOL

FREE ENTRY

THE BDF NATIONAL CONGRESS IS FREE FOR ALL

In 2008 the very first National Congress was held at the Spanish Hall in the Winter gardens, Blackpool during the British National Championships. Whilst the International congress has a long and illustrious history, the National Congress continues to go from strength to strength each year.

We look forward to seeing you there… and it’s FREE!

FREE ENTRY

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THE BDF NATIONAL CONGRESS

The brain child of Mr Stephen Hillier MBE…The BDF felt that it was neccessary to give something back to their members, followers and to the dance industry. Each year 7 World Class lecturers are invited to give a lecture of 20 minutes each… no small feat when trying to pass on as much knowledge as possible!

Most importantly, the BDF National Congress is FREE to all who would like to attend.

Over the years this Event has proved to be immensely poplar for all levels of dancers & is one of the highlights of the British National Dance Festival. Long may this tradition continue and we thank you both the lecturers and the audience for supporting the BDF National Congress.

THE PAST • THE PRESENT • THE FUTURE

Over the years the audience have been treated to superb lectures by our dance industry’s most esteemed names.

The BDF also has it’s own YouTube channel and social media sites where you can watch past congresses & interact with social media posts of our events.

Be sure to take a look, subscribe and follow to be kept up to date.

THE BDF NATIONAL CONGRESS

The brain child of Mr Stephen Hillier MBE…The BDF felt that it was neccessary to give something back to their members, followers and to the dance industry. Each year 7 World Class lecturers are invited to give a lecture of 20 minutes each… no small feat when trying to pass on as much knowledge as possible!

Most importantly, the BDF National Congress is FREE to all who would like to attend.

Over the years this Event has proved to be immensely poplar for all levels of dancers & is one of the highlights of the British National Dance Festival. Long may this tradition continue and we thank you both the lecturers and the audience for supporting the BDF National Congress.

THE PAST • THE PRESENT • THE FUTURE

Over the years the audience have been treated to superb lectures by our dance industry’s most esteemed names.

The BDF also has it’s own YouTube channel and social media sites where you can watch past congresses & interact with social media posts of our events.

Be sure to take a look, subscribe and follow to be kept up to date.

EVENT
GUIDE

 

ON THE DAY

FRIDAY 22ND NOVEMBER 2024

VENUE

Winter Gardens, Blackpool.

FREE ENTRY to the National Congress

Doors open at 9:30am

+ A TRIBUTE TO BLANCHE INGLE
A Tribute to Blanche Ingle.
 
It is with great pleasure that the Ballroom Dancers’ Federation write this tribute to a wonderful lady who dedicated her life to Ballroom Dancing. 
 
Blanche with her husband Ken Bateman were prolific dancers, teachers, and organisers of competitions in Slough, during the 1960’s, and 1970’s. Her warmth and kindness shone through as she went on her task to make everyone feel welcomed. They were a vibrant and enthusiastic couple, and they did so much to further the careers of many young dancers.  
 
With Ken, they won many Professional competitions, and reached the finals in major professional championships, including the International, the Star Championship, and The British Open Championship.
 
After Blanche passed away in 2023, the BDF was informed that she had bequeathed a sum of £1500. Her wish was to make an award of £100 to the winners of the British National Youth Under 21 winners, and to present this every year for the next 15 years. Following this request the BDF have informed the organisers of the British National Championships and they have agreed to make the presentation at this years festival.
 
This kind gesture is typical of her concern to encourage young British dancers, and we feel that it is a fitting tribute to a lovely lady who did so much to further British Ballroom Dancing.
 
The Ballroom Dancers’ Federation.
+ TICKET INFORMATION

FREE ENTRY

The BFD National Congress is FREE for all members to attend and anyone else that would like to be part of this wonderful congress.

There is always a donation option to the BDF if you feel that you would like to contribute towards the BDF’s continued efforts in bring the best to our Members.

Thank you for your support.

+ TIMETABLE OF EVENTS

DETAILS TO BE PUBLISHED

 

+ TRAVEL DETAILS

ADDRESS

THE PAVILION, Winter Gardens, Blackpool, FY1 1HL.

See Google Maps

BY CAR

From the M55 exit at junction 4, follow A583 into central Blackpool or for sat nav – postcode FY1 1HW

Central Blackpool does have one-way systems and pedestrianised areas. You may wish to use one of the large, well sign-posted tourist car-parks close to the Promenade or there are 2 car-parks closer to the Winter Gardens.

PARKING

A multi-storey facility is available within the Houndshill Shopping Centre. This is approx 150m from the Coronation Street entrance (lift access to the main areas of the Winter Gardens building) or approx. 300m from the Church Street entrance (ground level access to the main building)- the postcode of this car-park is FY1 4NY. This is a pay-on-return car-park.

Open air, ground level parking is also available on the corner of Adelaide Street and Alfred Street approx 200m from the Church Street entrance – the postcode of this car-park is FY1 4LA. This is a pay-&-display car-park.

Limited metered street-parking is also available close-by. St Johns Square is a shared use space and open to pedestrians only for long-periods. The Winter Gardens does not have on-site public parking.

A taxi rank is on Church Street, just a few minutes walk from the entrance to the building. Taxis may also drop off outside both entrances to the Winter Gardens subject to traffic restrictions.

For all enquiries please contact info@wintergardensblackpool.co.uk or telephone 01253 625252

BY RAIL

Blackpool North Station is approximately 10 minutes walk from the Winter Gardens.

+ FOOD & DRINK

There are many places to eat and drink within the Winter Gardens and on the high street.

Patrons please be reminded not to bring their own food and drink to the event.

+ DONATIONS & SPONSORS

The BDF is a non-profit volunteer based organisation. Should you wish, you can make a donation which will go towards the BDF Travel Fund & The BDF Youth Training Scheme. Thank you for your continued support of the BDF.

Register for Free as a Student (under 16)

Full Membership for all Amateur and Professional Dancers/Competitors, Adjudicators,Teachers and Individuals with a interest in Competitive Dancing

Affiliate Membership for Associations/ Organisations and Companies etc.