Shapes were thrown and a conga line formed in Saffron Walden market square on Saturday night as a popular event enjoyed its best ever turnout.

Saffron Walden Reporter:

The Dance in the Square event was organised by Saffron Walden Initiative and saw local band Van Gogh’s Ear get the crowd on their feet.

Initiative chairman Peter Riding said: “This was almost certainly the best attended of any in the 12 years the event has been running.

“Van Gogh’s Ear was clearly a very popular band and a lot of fun was had by all ages.

“We were lucky again with the weather as the rain held off.

Saffron Walden Reporter:

“Having started a little late due to a technical hitch, the evening built up to a crescendo with many of the dancers forming a conga line around the square for the last dance.”

He added: “Special thanks are due to Jacqui Portway who helped plan the event, Diane Burton who designed the poster and the many volunteers who prepared the square at the beginning and then cleared everything away at the end.”

The success of the event means Mr Riding will go out on a high, having announced he is retiring from organising the annual dance to spend more time with his family in Spain.

He is now looking for his successors. “I very much hope that a younger couple will come forward to develop it under the umbrella of the Saffron Walden Initiative and with as much help from me as they need,” he said.

“If that sounds like it might be you then please contact me on 01799 502355 or at peter@riding.co.uk.”

The Initiative was able to put on the free event thanks to grants from Saffron Walden Town Council and Uttlesford District Council, plus sponsorship from FM&C Saffron Walden Solicitors, Harts Books, Mullucks Wells, Ridgeons and Saffron Walden Laundry.

On the night £340 was raised through a bucket collection.