THIS year’s ‘A Night at the Movies’ themed Gymnanza was a huge success as more than 1,500 spectators came along during three shows on Saturday  (December 19).

Gymnasts of all ages and abilities along with coaches and even parents put on routines in the sell-out show at the club’s Basildon Sporting Village base.

There were more than 500 performers and top stars Max Whitlock, Reiss Beckford, Jay Thompson and Hayden Skinner donned suits as a homage to the Men in Black blockbuster to headline the show.

Cara Noble, who jointly organised the event this year with Leah Hickton, said: “It was arguably one of our best yet.

“The glitz and glamour of the movies combined with the skill and precision of the gymnastics made for an outstanding display.

“Participants included children as young as four up to our senior gymnasts and medals were awarded in each show for the best dressed coach, best dressed group and best performance.”

And to top a very busy weekend, the club staged its first-ever Circus Display on Sunday (December 20).

Gymnasts who have been training on the club’s new circus rig showcased their new skills on the state-of-the-art apparatus inside the smaller gymnasium at the Basildon Sporting Village.

Cara, a senior general coach who has been a key member of the news Circus Skills classes section, added: “There was a massive turn out and over 30 participants performed on the aerial apparatus, with ages ranging from seven up to adults.

“For the first event of its kind here, it was spectacular and we will definitely be holding more in the future.”