About 120 people are expected to pack the Wannon Rooms at Warrnambool Showgrounds for the popular event.

The Zest for Life program, run in partnership with groups such as Brophy, the MI Fellowship and Warrnambool City Council, was developed about nine years ago to provide opportunities for people of all abilities in the community.

Brophy case worker Stephen Edge said the dance helped break down barriers and provide a social outlet.

“It’s a chance to get dressed up and get on the dancefloor and socialise,” he said.

“It’s a popular outing.”

However, a lack of funding is casting a shadow on the much-loved event, with the hunt on to secure funding to allow the dances to continue into the future.

“At this point in time we’ve been able to secure funding for this one-off event and we’re certainly hopeful of having funding for next year,” Mr Edge said.

“Like a lot of organisations, we’re struggling to get funding.”

Themar Heights residents are among those eagerly looking forward to Friday’s dance. 

Proprietor Kerry Hamlett said it was an important event on the residents’ social calendar.

“They look forward to it. All the girls love dressing up,” she said.

“They get their hair done and their make-up on and dress up and have a great time.”

Bruce Cameron said he had been to every dance since they began in 2006.

“We’ve had quite a number of them and they’ve all been hailed a success,” he said.

“Everyone has a great time.

“It gets everyone involved and it’s just something that’s really needed.”

Themar Heights resident Jenny Rieter said the build-up to the dance was just as important as the event itself.

“We love getting dressed up, doing our make-up and getting our hair done,” she said.

Entry is by gold coin donation and music from the 1950s to the ’80s is sure to keep everyone on the dancefloor. 

The event runs from 7pm to 10pm on Friday at the Wannon Rooms.