IT will soon be curtains for a popular Chippenham dance group as they prepare to perform for the last time before closing.

That’s Entertainment will see the curtain fall for the final time next month, 23 years after it was founded by Beverly and Peter Henley and June Best.

The group has welcomed hundreds of boys and girls over the years and currently has 35 members, male and female, ranging from as young as five up to people in their mid-20s.

Mrs Best said: “Bev and Peter had the idea to start the group, we all used to dance together in Chippenham Starlettes and when they closed it after 25 years we went to Chippenham

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“It’s a real difficult decision to make, Beverly and Peter have pondered over it for a couple of months and they just feel things can’t go on forever. It comes to a time when it just feels it’s the right time to finish at the top rather than dwindle away, they feel that the time is right.”

The group will perform at the Chippenham Neeld Community and Arts Centre on April 6-7 and two performances will also be held on April 8.

“I haven’t seen all the routines but it’s varied and it’s singing and modern dance,” added Mrs Best.

“The final performance will be particularly emotional and there’s an awful lot of hard work that goes into these things.

“We’re not just putting on the performance for a week, there’s lots of rehearsal and preparation that goes into it.

“Getting these girls on stage and giving them the time of their lives, it gives them such good confidence.

“Some of the youngsters started 23 years ago and now their children are attending.

“You’re better off finishing at the top.”