Christmas gymnasts wow Mayor and Deputy

A spectacular show featuring some of Erewash’s top gymnasts has been attended by the Mayor and his Deputy in the run-up to Christmas.

The stars of the festive extravaganza are all members of the booming Erewash Valley Gymnastics Club.

They have been training hard for a series of four sold-out gala performances which were held on Friday 19th December and Saturday 20th December.

Mayor of Erewash Cllr Harry Atkinson was guest of honour at the lunchtime show on the Saturday – while Deputy Mayor Cllr Greg Maskalick was invited in the evening. Both got to see potential gymnastics superstars in action.

The shows were held at the club’s Ilkeston hub in Hallam Fields Road. The training school – which has more than 1,200 members and is one of the biggest in the East Midlands – also has a base in Long Eaton on New Tythe Street.

Men, women, children and toddlers attend classes. The emphasis is on locals having fun while keeping fit – but club manager Hannah Gibbs said that the sky is the limit for the most talented.

Ex-athlete Hannah told how those taking part in the gala shows are “squad gymnasts” – some of them international medal-winners.

A separate Christmas series of “Battle of the Bands”-themed events has been aimed at pre-school and recreational gymnasts. 

Hannah said ahead of the gala performances: “We can't wait to showcase the amazing routines and hard work all our gymnasts and coaches put in to making sure every show is special.”

Mayor Harry said: “The dedication shown by our fantastic local gymnasts is incredible. The gala shows promise to be Christmas feasts of energy and enthusiasm – and I am really looking forward to what will be a terrific festive treat.”