High Energy Vintage Dance Event in Preston

A New High-Energy Vintage Dance Community Launches in Preston.

A brand-new vintage dance community is setting the floor alight with its first official event on Friday 28th November2025 19.30 - 2300 hrs. hosted at The Masonic hall , 2 Saul Street Preston PR1 2QU.

Founding members Chris, Mel and John are bringing a fresh, inclusive, high-energy dance experience to the North, built on fun, connection, music, kindness and community spirit.

Over the past year, the team has run several small test events, including two outdoors, and the response has been full of joy, colour and shared enthusiasm. Their mission is simple: introduce the irresistible, feel-good music of the 50s to LindyHop dancers, and bring the cool footwork and playful moves of Lindy to the Jive crowd.

“ We're very excited to bring the styles and music of Jive and Lindy hop dancing together “ said Chris.

All three of the founding members have been on the receiving end of harassment, bullying, intimidation and unwelcome behaviour at dance events in the last 18 months and decided to do something about it.

“We want a space where everyone feels welcome the moment they walk in,” says John, one of the founding partners. “A place where safety, kindness and fun sit right at the centre. Everyone is accountable in this community, from organisers to attendees, and if anyone has a concern about anything, there is always someone to talk to about that without any judgement – everyone in the room is accountable, attendees, dance teachers, organisers, everyone.”

The new organisation, Jive Lindy North, launches simultaneously in Preston and Leeds, and is built around the STEPS code for dance safety, promoted nationally by Safety In Swing Dance UK. Every event will have a dedicated Safety Officer, with Mel Bedford taking that role in the North. The group plans to expand the franchise across the country over time.

Mel is passionate about what this community represents:

“No one talks openly about negative incidents or how they are made to feel,” says Mel Bedford from Bradford. “I’ve witnessed bullying, name-calling, and slander that damages people. One of my close friends has been defamed online and no one has called it out. That incident was so serious it was reported to the Police. I’ve even seen it from event organisers. I called it out, and I stopped going to those places. It’s only when someone shares their experience that others say, ‘Who would I tell? Would anything get done?’ This new community is about giving people somewhere they can dance freely, safely, and joyfully. Let me say that last bit again as it is really important – SAFELY – no name calling, no singling anyone out. Everyone is welcome no matter their background, how they dance, everyone is welcome.”

Chris adds:"I've been to dances that felt too sedate and un- welcoming. I’m creating a fun event that encourages younger people to dance, - I don’t want the swing and jive dancing scene to die out. It's a great source of exercise and community spirit. I want a safe space for anyone who has been bullied or ostracized at other events. Some people are picked on because of their form of expression, which is not acceptable. The STEPS Code ensures no one is discriminated against for how they dance. John has personally experienced discrimination because of his energetic style of dancing – I’ve seen this first hand this year."

Jive Lindy North aims to create a warm, buzzing environment where well-behaved dogs, children, beginners, seasoned dancers, and anyone curious about vintage music can feel at home. With a lively mix of 30s, 40s and 50s music, the atmosphere promises to be upbeat, joyful, and full of energy.

The first event runs 19.30 - 2300 hours with entry only £5, plus an introductory offer of free entry for students with ID.

Murray Rose will be DJ’ing the Leeds event on 14th December 2025.

This marks the beginning of something vibrant, social, warm, energetic and above all SAFE. A new dance community built For further details, please contact:Mel Bedford: [email protected] 07927 881 313

Chris Shuttleworth :[email protected] 07944 953 422

John L Matthews : [email protected] 07855 375 615

Safety Officer direct e-mail – [email protected]

Jive Lindy North does not yet have a website, but it is very much on the list.