The popular 'Strictly Come Dancing' format linked up with brass banding at a recent Old Silkstone Band event in Barnsley.

For one night only the Cheltenham bound National finalists performed as the Strictly Silkstone Dance Band — complete with DJs and evening dresses — to join the Strictly Silkstone ballroom dancers and talented youngsters from the local Maria Penrose School of Dance.

Strictly theme

The band opened with the 'Strictly' theme tune before featuring a number of musical items that have appeared on the show — from 'Libertango' and 'Mack the Knife' to 'The Blue Danube' and 'The Can Can'.

Dance couples competed throughout the evening for the 'Strictly Silkstone Crown' performing tangos, rumbas, swing, jives and waltzes as the band played in a variety of dance styles, whilst the youngsters performed energetic routines to tunes such as 'Happy', 'Up Town Funk' and 'Reet Petite'.

Suave compere

MD, Sam Fisher was the suave compere as well as showing off his singing skills with fine rendition of 'Feeling Good' with band accompaniment.

The dancers were judged by a professional dancer with the audience also voting for their favourite couple.

Great concept

MD Sam 'Buble' Fisher told 4BR: "The 'Strictly' show was a great concept and it's good that the band is able to think out of the box in order to entertain a wider audience. The outcome was fun, entertaining evening for all involved.

The combination of live brass and dance proved to be a very successful."

The 'Strictly' show was a great concept and it's good that the band is able to think out of the box in order to entertain a wider audienceMD. Sam Fisher

Breaking stereotype

A band spokesperson added: "We work hard at Old Silkstone to challenge the stereotypes of traditional brass band concerts and this really broke the mould.

Our 'Strictly' show offered our audience an evening of fun, light entertainment in a relaxed setting and the feedback has been phenomenal."