PATRICK Swayze’s death from pancreatic cancer at the age of 57 last year had a profound impact on the many millions of fans of what was almost certainly his finest hour – the iconic 1987 film Dirty Dancing.

It’s one of the most watched films in the world – a heartwarming tale of a 1960s teen falling in love on holiday with a dance instructor from the other side of the tracks.

As the anniversary of Swayze’s death approached, fans worldwide began to ask whether there would be some sort of memorial, and so the folks around beautiful Lake Lure, North Carolina, where much of the movie was filmed, dreamed up the idea of an annual Dirty Dancing Festival – held for the first time last month [September] and I was lucky enough to go!

It was a grand, glamorous affair, and not just for Carolinians, or even Americans – fans came from far and wide, including Hampshire couple Louise Coughlin, 30, and Nick Barman, 45.

Planning a holiday to the US, Louise was delighted to be able to incorporate a festival dedicated to the film she loves into her schedule.

And despite the flick not being one of Nick’s favourites, there were no regrets: “I’ve still had a great time,” he said, resisting the urge to use the obvious cliché and getting down on the dancefloor with the 300 glammed-up guests at the sold-out Saturday night gala dinner.

Taking place over two days, the festival had plenty on offer for the die-hard Dirty fan.

First off was the film itself, of course.

In the incredibly beautiful setting of Firefly Cove, under a brightly shining moon, it was screened alongside Lake Lure, where the famous lake lift scene was shot, as well as many others.

Picnickers gathered on the grassy knoll with chairs and blankets, and a surprising hush fell at the opening scene.

Watching it with that magnificent backdrop and fireflies dancing all around was the ultimate in romantic experiences, and one that was definitely enjoyed by all present – demonstrated perfectly with the impromptu dancing session that erupted as the closing credits rolled.

Day two of the festival, at the nearby Morse Park Meadows, another fantastic lakeside location, saw the bulk of the action, with professional dancers showing us wannabes how it’s done, as well as a chance to carry the infamous watermelon (film stalwarts will know what that’s about) and, most exciting of all, the lake lift competition.

It’s perhaps the best-known scene of the film, and here we were with our chance to re-enact it – and in slightly warmer conditions than poor old Jennifer and Patrick (Baby and Johnny) endured.

Brave and strong chaps (and some girls) did their best at raising their partners in a perfect swoop above head height but, trust me, it’s a hell of a lot harder than it looks!

We dived and splashed, and soon the winning pair was found, their perfect lift impressing all of us.

Drying off in the glorious North Carolinian sun was easy, as we roamed the stalls and food tents on offer, as well as some behind-the-scenes tales from those in the original cast.

Frocks on for the glitzy gala dinner, we headed back to Firefly Cover and a huge marquee, with cocktails and great food, plus the hilarity of learning the final group dance of the film – let’s just say I won’t give up my day job just yet.

Another highlight was the chance to “dance” down those woodland steps, complete with watermelon if so desired. Oh Baby!

We dirty danced into the night under the marquee, mingling and chatting with such stars as the Oscar-winning writer of Hungry Eyes and The Time of My Life, Franke Previte – sadly Jennifer Grey was busy with Dancing With the Stars, but there are hopes she’ll attend next year.

And I reckon I’ll be back then, too.

A festival for one of the world’s favourite films is a great idea, and I certainly had the time of my life…