Strictly Come Dancing’s Vincent Simone is the special guest at this year’s Italian Festival in Peterborough on September 20-21.
The professional dancer and former Strictly Come Dancing star will be hosting a dance workshop for festival visitors on the Sunday afternoon.
Vincent said: “Peterborough city centre is the perfect place for some alfresco dancing and a tarantella or two with visitors to the Italian Festival. I know how popular the event is and it’ll be fun giving dance demonstrations to everyone from Latin and ballroom beginners to people with two left feet who are after a spot of tutorage.
“I know Peterborough has a strong Italian community and I’m really excited to be a part of their annual celebrations. It’s one of the best Italian festivals in the country and this means I’ll be wearing my very best dance shoes on the day!”
The Festival has also been given a special seal of approval by TV celebrity chef Gennaro Contaldo who’s been named as official ambassador for the annual event.
Annette Joyce, Assistant Director for Commercial Operations at Peterborough City Council, told ESP: “Gennaro was overwhelmed by the effort and enthusiasm shown by the Italian Community Association to ensure the event’s continued success and he showed a keen interest in wanting to help take this established celebration to the next level. Gennaro’s support will mean we can put the festival on the national calendar of events where it belongs.
“The city centre is transformed into a Little Italy that is big on personality. There will be more entertainment on show including a focus on activities for children. In true Italian style expect music, lots of dance – especially with Vincent – and plenty of food with a drop of vino to wash it all down with.”
New entertainment at the event will include four-piece band Irpinia’s Sounds from Avellino, traditional brass band Ottoni Animati from Sicily and London-based solo artist from Florence Francesca Biscotti.
They will be joined by a variety of local dance and music acts performing on Cathedral Square over the weekend.
Of course there’ll be plenty of food and you’ll be spoilt for choice with pizza, pasta, confectionary, panini, coffee, wine and spirits to sample and purchase from local exhibiting Italian businesses. There’ll also be a large Italian food market and fruit and vegetables from The Green Backyard will ensure shoppers can get all the ingredients they need to create their own mouth-watering Italian dish.
Fans of cars and motorcycles will be able to enjoy displays of Italy’s finest motoring marques from Ferrari to Alfa Romeo and Fiat, to Ducati, Vespa and Lambretta. Maserati’s will also be showcased as part of a special pop-up restaurant on the Saturday evening.
For more info or to take part, call Carmela Cocozza on 07771 604069.
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