Question 1

When and where is the 2026 Britannia Dance Championships taking place?

Accepted Answer

The 2026 Britannia Dance Championships will be held from Friday 27th to Sunday 29th March 2026 at the Hilton at the Utilita Bowl, Botley Road, West End, Southampton, SO30 3XH, United Kingdom.

All competition sessions, gala events, and ProAm activities take place within the Hilton — one of only two UK dance competitions held entirely inside a hotel venue.

Question 2

How is the weekend structured? What are the sessions?

Accepted Answer

The event is divided into four sessions across the weekend:

Session 1 – Friday 27th March
ProAm Caribbean Mix, Argentine Tango (Salon & Freestyle), and American Rhythm
Professional Championships: Ballroom, Latin & Smooth

Session 2 – Saturday Daytime
ProAm Single Dances & Multi-Dance Events in Ballroom, Latin & Smooth

Session 3 – Saturday Evening
The Black-Tie Gala Dinner & Dance, including ProAm Championships, ProAm Showdance, and live entertainment

Session 4 – Sunday 29th March
Teacher/Student, Solo and Open Couples events (Juvenile to Senior), and graded competitions
A detailed timetable will be released closer to the event once entries have closed.

Question 3

What time do doors open for each session?

Accepted Answer

Exact door opening and competition start times will be published with the official heat list approximately one week before the event.

As a general guide:
 • Friday – doors open at 2:00pm
 • Saturday (Daytime) – doors open at 8:30am
 • Saturday (Evening Gala) – doors open at 6:30pm for dinner guests, and 7:15pm for non-dinner ticket holders
 • Sunday – doors open at 8:30am

Competitors must be present in the ballroom at least 30 minutes before their first scheduled event.

Question 4

What’s included in the VIP Packages?

Accepted Answer

Four exclusive VIP Packages are available, offering a premium Britannia experience with reserved seating, additional access, and extra benefits.

Packages typically include:
 • Reserved priority seating throughout the weekend
 • Admission to all daytime sessions
 • Exclusive extras and hospitality not available for individual purchase
 • Reserved table or seating at the Gala Dinner (for applicable package holders)
Package details and prices are available via the website or during the entry process on Flymark.

Question 5

Where is the Hilton at the Utilita Bowl located?

Accepted Answer

The Hilton at the Utilita Bowl is situated next to the Hampshire Cricket Ground, just outside Southampton, with easy access from the M27 (Junction 7). 
It is also adjacent to the Holiday Inn Express Southampton, which offers convenient alternative accommodation at a lower rate.

Question 6

What are the nearby accommodation options?

Accepted Answer

In addition to the main competition venue, the Hilton, many guests stay at the Holiday Inn Express next door, or other nearby hotels in Southampton and Hedge End.
Competitors are advised to book accommodation early, as rooms at the Hilton sell out quickly.
Hotel booking links will be published on the website once available.

Question 7

How do I get to the Britannia Dance Championships from the nearest airports?

Accepted Answer

The event venue — Hilton at the Utilita Bowl, Southampton (SO30 3XH) — is ideally located near several major airports in southern England.
Southampton Airport (SOU)
 • Travel time to venue: Around 10 minutes by car or taxi (7 miles).
 • By train: Direct service to Southampton Parkway or Hedge End, followed by a 5–10-minute taxi ride.
 • Typical spring flight routes (direct):
    • UK & Ireland: Manchester, Newcastle, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Belfast, Dublin.
    • Europe: Paris (CDG), Amsterdam, Düsseldorf, Faro, Alicante, Palma, Malaga, Bergerac.
(Routes vary seasonally — check southamptonairport.com (https://www.southamptonairport.com/)for the latest spring schedules.)

Bournemouth Airport (BOH)
 • Travel time to venue: Around 45 minutes by car (35 miles).
 • Typical spring flight routes (direct):
    • UK & Channel Islands: Jersey, Guernsey.
    • Europe: Alicante, Faro, Malaga, Tenerife, Lanzarote, Krakow, Budapest, Geneva.
(See bournemouthairport.com (https://www.bournemouthairport.com/)for current schedules.)

London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
 • Travel time: Around 1 hour 15 minutes by car via M3.
 • By train: Heathrow Express to London Paddington, then direct to Southampton Central (around 1 hour 45 minutes total).
 • Connectivity: One of the world’s largest international hubs with direct routes from all major continents.
London Gatwick Airport (LGW)
 • Travel time: Around 1 hour 30 minutes by car via M23 and M27.
 • By train: Direct rail service from Gatwick to Southampton Central (approx. 1 hour 40 minutes).
 • Connectivity: Extensive European and transatlantic routes.

Tip: For ease and proximity, Southampton Airport is the most convenient option, while Heathrow and Gatwick provide the best international coverage.

Private transfers can be arranged through the Hilton concierge or local taxi companies.

For information on international travel, visas, and competitor support, please see our International Competitors & Visa Guidance section.

Question 8

Who are the event organisers?

Accepted Answer

The Britannia Dance Championships are organised by James & Kelly Prouton of Dizzyfeet Dancing Limited, experienced professional dancers, adjudicators, and event directors.

Question 9

How do I contact the Britannia Dance Championships team?

Accepted Answer

For all enquiries, including entries, sponsorship, media, or partnership requests, please contact:
info@britopen.dance(mailto:info@britopen.dance)
www.britopen.dance(http://www.britopen.dance/)