Pan's People dancers to make it a Bestival to remember

Iconic 70s dance troupe Pan’s People will host a number of lessons for kids at the Lulworth Castle discotheque as part of the festival this summer.

Original members Dee Dee Wilde and Babs Powell will be present.

The troupe are well known for appearing on Top of the Pops from 1968 to 1975, dancing to hits by The Beatles, Michael Jackson, and Stevie Wonder, to name but a few.

Dee Dee said the opportunity was ‘extremely exciting’.

She said: “I’ve never done it before. My daughter has worked at Camp Bestival quite a few times and she encouraged me.

“I dance all the time but Babs hasn’t danced for years and years. But it’s like riding a bike. You never forget how to ride.”

Dee Dee said they will use a playlist containing a wide variety of music, from Martha and the Vandellas to Olly Murs.

She said: “I’m going to do a mixture of old retro and some new stuff as well. Babs and I will be executing some of Top of the Pops dance moves.”

The news that Pan’s People are to appear has already had a highly positive reaction.

Dee Dee said: “It’s wonderful that people can actually remember who we are.

“We’re going to bring a few prizes along for the best dancers. It’s just to encourage the kids to get up and dance.”

Dee Dee runs a dance club with up to five classes a week. She said her festival appearance will be great fun.

“I love Dorset. I’ve never actually been to Lulworth Castle.

“It will really be interesting to dance up there among this incredible heritage.”

Other dance workshops taking place over the weekend include West End Kids Musical Dance Workshop. This is a special musical dance workshop open to all ages and abilities.

A brand new show will also be performed by Funk da Cirque, a young company featuring some of the best street dancers and acrobats from across London.

A special workshop will be held where you can learn moves from the company’s show, Soul Trip.

This year’s festival takes place between July 31 and August 3.