Two north Derbyshire schoolgirls will be up against the best dancers from around the globe when they compete in the CLRG World Irish Dance Championships 2026.

Darcy Allen, 13, who lives in Stanfree, and Hannah Keeley, 15, of Bolsover will head to Chicago to represent the Midlands in the premier competition for Irish dance. Darcy will compete in the girls 12-13 years category on March 30 and Hannah in the girls 14-15 years category on March 31.

Ahead of their exciting adventure, Hannah and Darcy will show their skill in a performance at the Angel & Harlequin pub in Spinkhill on Friday, March 20, from 7pm. Darcy’s mum, Georgina Allen, said: “They are both fundraising for whatever to help their trip to Chicago as it’s already been paid for by parents! Any fundraising will just cover flights and hotels etc for the five day trip.”

Darcy and Hannah attend St Mary’s RC High School in Chesterfield and outside of weekday education are committed to dance. They are students at Sean Eireann Irish Dance Academy and attend classes at Pilsley on Mondays, Chesterfield on Thursdays and Bolsover on Saturdays.