Bournemouth’s Grade II listed Art Deco theatre and ballroom is set to open its doors once again for another free community event next month. This is following the popularity of its ninetieth anniversary open day last year.
On Saturday 29 February 2020 between 10am-5pm visitors of all ages can take part in a range of free activities in this iconic seaside 1920s cultural and entertainment venue.
Guided tours will take visitors around the theatre, ballroom, on stage and behind the scenes. As they travel around the venue they will hear stories about the theatre’s history and the shows and entertainers who have performed there. They will see some of the building’s more intricate workings in the wings and learn more about the ninety-year-old Compton Organ and its ongoing restoration programme.
There may even be a ghostly tale or two along the way.
Tours will be running at 10.30am 12noon, 1.30pm and 3pm. Spaces will be available on a first come first served basis. Each tour will last approximately 1.5 hours. Places will be limited and some areas may contain stairs.
Younger visitors can follow the venue’s star trail as they explore hidden areas including backstage corridors and passages. They can also get into character by dressing up in costume and taking a snap at a dedicated selfie station.
For those looking to enjoy a turn on the dance floor between 2pm-4pm there will be a free to attend afternoon tea dance and recital hosted by internationally acclaimed organist Michael Wooldridge. For beginners, and the more experienced, there will be as assortment of ballroom, Latin and popular sequences dances to sashay around the dancefloor to.
Refreshments, including drinks and snacks will be available to buy from the theatre’s café.
There is a pay and display car park at the venue with 185 spaces available on a first come first served basis. Parking machines are cashless; parking can be paid for by card (including contactless) or by phone.
Bournemouth Pavilion is operated by BH Live in partnership with BCP Council.
Steve Turner, BH Live’s Divisional General Manager explains more about the day. He said:
“Bournemouth Pavilion is an amazing venue hosting more than 400 events throughout the year. It is steeped in history and if the walls could talk they’d tell some great stories. It is a privilege to be able to open the doors for this free community event once more; enabling people to get a unique perspective from behind the scenes and find out more from the team who make the magic happen.”
“With the event being on a leap year too, who knows – we may even get an unexpected proposal in the venue too!”
Councillor Mark Howell, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Culture at BCP Council said:
“After just over ninety years, Bournemouth Pavilion remains one of our region’s most iconic cultural and entertainment venues. We are pleased to see it will be celebrating this with a free day of activities for people of all ages. This is a great opportunity to explore behind the scenes and learn more about Bournemouth Pavilion’s fascinating heritage.’’
More detail about the activities on the day is at bournemouthpavilion.co.uk
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Notes to Editors:
About Bournemouth Pavilion
Bournemouth Pavilion is operated by BH Live in partnership with BCP Council.
This Grade II listed venue opened in March 1929. It has a 1,500-seat theatre and full-sized ballroom. The venue hosts musicals, opera, ballet, pantomime, comedy, gala dinners, banquets, receptions, fairs, dances and fashion shows throughout the year.
Its facilities complement
events at Bournemouth International Centre and for corporate presentations,
product launches, and smaller conferences and exhibitions.
Bournemouth Pavilion is also home to Pavilion Dance South West and the Pavilion
at AUB rehearsal and teaching space for the Arts University Bournemouth.
For more visit bournemouthpavilion.co.uk.
Get social with us @bournemouthpavilion
About BH Live
BH Live is a leading operator of leisure and event venues; a social enterprise that designs and builds engaging experiences to inspire people and enrich lives.
For more visit bhlive.org.uk.
Get social with us: LinkedIn, Twitter @BHLIVE_UK and Facebook @SocialEnterpriseBHLive
For more information about BH Live please contact:
Elizabeth Symmons, PR &
Corporate Communications Executive
E: press.office@bhlive.org.uk
T: (01202) 055562