Following in the footsteps of the inestimable Shimmyfest: Midsummer Sass, which had its final hurrah in 2026, comes this spirited newcomer. We know we can’t eclipse the golden memories of belly dancing fun from, or raise more money for charity than Shimmyfests of yore, but we are going to try.

We aim to host at least two workshops, a souk where you can buy pretty things, an event photographer who will take your portrait in costume for a small donation, a raffle, and an evening hafla in which you and your group can dance.

It’s still early days yet, and we’re still working out how we can sell tickets through the website, but we have tutors for the first two workshops confirmed and a good idea of who we would ask to teach the second two, if we have enough people interested. We have someone to man the theatre lighting, we have a souk and a photographer, so it’s beginning to come together.

There will be a big announcement when the ticketing is open. In the mean time you are very welcome to get in touch and let us know if you would like to dance a solo or a group dance in the hafla. Contact and more details are on Facebook but I will update there and here at the same time.

Any profits Sparkles & Shimmies makes beyond covering its own costs will be split 50/50 between

and

SparklesAndShimmies hopes to be an annual belly dance hafla organised near Ely, United Kingdom, with the primary aim of providing a welcoming and celebratory atmosphere for the belly dance community, showcasing local talent and fostering connections. Join us in supporting these great causes while enjoying a vibrant party!