Liberation tea dance is back, no hangar ball
THE Specsavers Liberation Tea Dance is returning next month after a Covid-enforced cancellation last year.
Both the tea dance and hangar balls did not happen in 2020.
But, following recent guidance from the States allowing indoor gatherings of more than 100 people, Specsavers has decided to host the tea dance this year, celebrating the 76th anniversary of the end of the Occupation.
Specsavers founder Dame Mary Perkins said: ‘We know how much the tea dance and celebrating Liberation Day means to many islanders, so we are delighted we can host the event once again and planning is now well under way.
‘After what has been a challenging time for everybody, we hope this give those islanders something to smile about and helps to lift spirits.’
With the community vaccination centre based in Beau Sejour’s Sir John Loveridge Hall, the tea dance will instead be staged in the Dave Ferguson Hall.
That hall can accommodate only half the capacity, therefore the event will take place across two days – Friday 7 and Saturday 8 May – from 1.30-4pm.
The size restrictions of the hall mean the two hangar balls will not be taking place this year.
‘The event acknowledges the suffering of islanders during the war years,’ said Dame Mary.
‘Demand for tickets is always very high and Beau Sejour can only accommodate a certain number of people for health and safety reasons.
‘If you didn’t live through the Occupation, serve in the forces or were not evacuated from the island, remember that you may be denying someone else a place by applying.’
Islanders are encouraged to come to the event in 1940s clothes, military uniform or traditional Guernsey dress to add a sense of nostalgia to the day.
Booking details
The tea dance booking form is in today's Guernsey Press.
It is also available from Specsavers’ support office at La Villiaze and by post or email from the Specsavers PR team, telephone 234865 or email pressoffice@specsavers.com.
With just five weeks to the event, people are being asked to get in their form as soon as possible and no later than Friday 16 April.
Tickets will be posted out nearer the event. No bookings will be taken over the phone.
