Every school holidays, the Wanganui Competitions Society hosts talented young dancers, singers, musicians and actors from around New Zealand.
The October Dance Festival is currently in full swing at the Royal Wanganui Opera House and society vice president Hayley Sellars said it is the biggest dance competition in recent years.
"We had to close off the entries after only five days and there are over 800 items on the programme.
"This year there are 46 groups and troupes competing."
For a number of years, the competitions have been held at Whanganui Girls' College where some of the larger groups struggled to perform on the stage.