The Ore Stage Festival starts next week, from Tuesday May 26–Saturday May 30 at the Milligan Theatre, Love Lane, Rye. It was started seven years ago by Wendy Dyer, principal of the Wendy Cameron Academy of Dancing in Hastings. She wanted to create a festival experience that gave everybody the chance to stand out and be recognised for talent and potential. There are medal awards for first, second, third and fourth places and bursaries of £25, £50 and £100 for specific classes. This really makes it a popular event for local dancing and stage schools. The adjudicator this year is Carol Ball, the professional actress and dancer, who has acted in numerous West End theatre productions, has had various TV appearances and was recently a dancing tea lady in The Muppets Most Wanted movie. Tickets can be bought on the door and refreshments are available throughout the day.