OXFORD City Council has won £140,000 from Arts Council England to continue its dance festival Dancin Oxford for a further three years.

The funding, from the Grants for the Arts funding pot, will enable the council to continue running the festival which holds three events each year until 2019.

Councillor Christine Simm, Executive Board Member for Culture and Communities, said: “It is fantastic news that we have received this funding from Arts Council England.

"It means that we will be able to deliver our popular Dancin' Oxford festival for the next three years, bringing joy and fun to our communities throughout the city.

"The festival attracts excellent artists to the city, and enables people to engage with and participate in top quality dancing events.”

City Council arts participation officer and Dancin’ Oxford Director Claire Thompson said: “Dancin' Oxford is proud to offer both residents and visitors of Oxford the opportunity to see and experience dance at its very best throughout the year.

“We are delighted that Arts Council England has given us this money, which will enable us to bring people from all walks of life together – be it to watch or actively participate – to celebrate all things dance.”

The funding will also provide a Dancin’ Oxford festival projects officer and a festival creative apprentice for the next three years, along with the development of a core team of festival volunteers.

Dancin’ Oxford’s 2016 autumn festival was launched on Saturday October 8 with free dance events taking place at venues across the city until Saturday November 19.