A MAGNIFICENT travelling tent is taking up residence in Colchester’s Castle Park this August.

The first of its kind in the region, a spiegeltent (German for mirror tent) is constructed in wood and canvas, with a large circular, wooden dancefloor, surrounded by seated booths and decorated with mirrors and stained glass.

The dazzling interior creates an intimate space for dance performances, workshops and classes, or simply a relaxing drink at the bar.

Dating from the late 19th century, the tents were traditionally used to bring performances to towns without dance halls. Only a handful of spiegeltents remain today, and these survivors continue to travel throughout Europe.

The tent visiting Colchester, from from August 5 to 16, is originally from Belgium.

Its journey will first take it to Suffolk, calling at Christchurch Park, in Ipswich, this week, followed by the Museum of East Anglian Life, in Stowmarket, and Eastern Farm Park, near Wickham Market.

A diverse and exciting range of programmes will be on offer throughout the tent’s stay in Castle Park, from children’s workshops and Indian classical dance, to flamenco and street dance.

There will also be performances by national and international dance artists, and classes for all ages and abilities.

The tent will be showcasing performances from various dance companies, including the Royal Opera House’s Strictly Come Ballroom, and a night with the award-winning Jiving Lindy Hoppers from London.

The event is being organised by Ipswich-based DanceEast, one of the nation’s leading dance organisations which works in partnership with theatres across East Anglia.

For more details, call 01473 295237 or visit www.danceeast.co.uk