This year's National Fitness Day will kick off with a mass dance workout in the heart of London, led by Dame Darcey Bussell.

The legendary ballerina and Strictly Come Dancing judge will take hundreds of people through an outdoor dance fitness class in the City of London Corporation’s iconic Guildhall Courtyard.

The event – on 26 September – will launch a day of physical activity and fitness celebrations across the UK, as gyms, leisure centres, fitness instructors and sports clubs throw open their doors to get more people active.

Organised by ukactive, the event promotes the benefits of physical activity and last year helped get more than five million people active across 20,000 free events.

“It’s such a pleasure to be asked to help celebrate National Fitness Day," said Bussell.

“This isn’t just about one day though – we want to encourage more people to discover physical activities that they love all year round, whether it’s dancing with your kids in the kitchen, a brisk walk in the park, playing sport with your friends or a workout at the gym.”

ukactive CEO Steven Ward added: “National Fitness Day represents a fantastic opportunity for the physical activity sector to spread the fun of fitness by engaging people who are usually less active and highlighting the rewards physical activity brings.”