The last few years has seen the television ratings battle between The X Factor and Strictly Come Dancing become something of a pre-Christmas ritual.

If you keep your TV firmly tuned to the Beeb, then you may be planning on seeing a show on the Strictly Come Dancing live tour, which starts on the 20th January 2012 and runs through to the 26th February 2012.

Events like this are always more fun in a group – so if you are planning a group trip to see Strictly live, then you may want to consider hiring a minibus to get you to the event. That way, you only need one Des(ignated driver) and the rest can enjoy a drink during the interval and a natter en route. In addition, everyone stays together, you only have one parking charge to pay and your fuel bills will probably be less than they would for two or more cars.

Here are the dates for the 2012 Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour – many of these dates have two shows per day, a matinee and an evening performance, so family-friendly travel times should be possible:

• Birmingham NIA: 20/01/2012 – 22/01/2012
• Nottingham Arena: 24/01/2012 – 25/01/2012
• London Wembley Arena: 27/01/2012
• London O2 Arena: 28/01/2012 – 29/01/2012
• Manchester Arena: 31/01/2012 – 01/02/2012
• Sheffield Arena: 02/02/2012 – 03/02/2012
• Liverpool Arena: 04/02/2012 – 05/02/2012
• Newcastle Arena: 07/02/2012 – 09/02/2012
• Glasgow SECC: 10/02/2012 – 12/02/2012
• Cardiff (Motorpoint Arena): 15/02/2012 – 19/02/2012
• Dublin O2 Arena: 22/02/2012 – 23/02/2012
• Belfast Oddyssey: 24/02/2012 – 26/02/2012

For full details, visit www.strictlycomedancinglive.com.

Please note that all details and dates are correct to the best of our knowledge – but vanrental.co.uk cannot be held responsible for errors or cancellations. Please check before you make any transport arrangements.