Gwydir Industries will host their bi-annual fundraiser ‘Dancing with the Stars’ with festivities expected to kick-off around 6.30pm.

President Peter Weal said preparations for the night were going smoothly.

“We’ve sold 240 tickets to date and it will be a fabulous night of entertainment,” he said.

Originally at the Max Centre, the fundraiser outgrew its location which was the reason for the switch to the town hall and Mr Weal said the last couple of occasions had been extremely successful.

“What I’ve learnt over the times we’ve had this sort of a theme is that the experience the dancers get has changed their lives.” 

Mr Weal said the fundraiser had evolved from a black and white ball a few years ago to an Olympic-themed ball and now, dancing with the stars.

“It’s a bit of a spin-off from the television show.

“We’ll have local judges for the dancing including Toby Osmond, Gig Moses and Anthony Diprose and every year we have new dancers come along which is great to see.”

Twelve locals will be showing off their dancing talents and competing to be the ultimate dancers including Merri-May Gill and Fi Claus, Hugh Livingston and Vanessa Parkes, Simon and Kate Goodhew, Rob Long and Jane Garland, Howard and Linda Meppem, Stuart Tighe and Mary Davison and Will Kirkby and Bec Stavrou.

Professional dance teacher Vladimir Okunev has given some of the couples training advice while Mollie Parkes has helped Ms Parkes and Mr Livingston.

“They’ve all put in an incredible amount of work and they’re all looking forward to it,” Mr Weal said.