OVER 500 dancers from across NSW and interstate will kick up their heels in Nelson Bay this weekend for the 17th annual Rock ‘N’ Roll Festival.

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The event offers three days of free entertainment across three dance floors from 13-15 October at Wests Diggers auditorium in Nelson Bay.

To get fellow dancers and members of the public in a hip-swivelling mood, the Nelson Bay Rock ‘N’ Roll Club has the auditorium decked out, and dancers will be dressed in traditional 1950s style.

President of the Nelson Bay Rock ‘N’ Roll Club, Keith Barnard, has been involved in the dance world since he was a young boy.

“My sister was a dancer, and my mum made the dresses. As a 13-year-old boy, Mum had me standing on the table as the dressmaker’s model,” Keith said.

Keith often attended the dances, and quickly picked up dance moves that he has been perfecting over the decades.

Keith and his wife, Diana, formed the club with two other couples and, 17 years later, they have 68 active members, but new members are always welcome.

“There’s no age limit,” Diana told News Of The Area.

“We do have a shortage of men.”

There will be various dance styles showcased over the three-day event and for the second year running, on Saturday night, the audience will be treated to a professional dance demonstration by the Sydney Swing Catz.

“A first for the festival is a swing dance workshop by the Sydney Swing Catz,” Keith said.

“There are also three dance bands with free entry.”

The Nelson Bay Rock ‘N’ Roll Club hold a regular dance class.

“No skills are required,” Keith said.

“You can join in or you are welcome to just come along and watch.”

For more information, contact Keith Barnard on 49811471.

By Jo FINN