The 11th annual festival at the Spa Complex has recorded an increase of nearly 15 per cent on general ticket sales and a 25 per cent increase in festival passes.

The event attracts hundreds of dance enthusiasts to Scarborough every year and provides an out-of-season boost to the town’s economy.

Activities during the festival last week included dance workshops, modern and latin dancing and a competition day, which featured competitors from across the country aiming to qualify for the Juvenile Latin England Team and Junior 10 Dance England Team Selection.

Stewart Ward, business development officer at the Spa, said: “We are really pleased to see attendances rise, especially in this current climate.

“The figure that I was shocked to see increase was the festival tickets as the ticket is for six days of dancing.”

Phillip Wylie, festival co-ordinator, added: “It’s great to see the event growing even in a recession, which bucks the trend as some are down by 50 per cent.

“I think it’s down to the unique venue of The Spa and fantastic setting of Scarbor-ough’s South Bay.

“Scarborough Council have put a lot of time and effort into the event, and I would like to thank them for helping make the event a success,” he added.

The Scarborough Dance Festival returns next year from November 10 to 15.