Occupation islanders invited to Specsavers tea dances
ISLANDERS who lived in Guernsey through the Occupation can apply for a ticket for the Specsavers tea dance, an event acknowledging what people experienced during war time.
It is part of the Specsavers hangar balls, which are taking place over the Liberation Day weekend.
Both were cancelled in 2020 due to Covid restrictions, but the tea dance returned last year.
The hangar balls were not held as the sir John Loveridge Hall at Beau Sejour was being used as the community vaccination centre.
‘The tea dance is always very popular and we’re particularly excited to be marking the 77th anniversary this year,’ said Specsavers founder Dame Mary Perkins.
‘The dancing and the music are my favourite part of the day and guests will be able to sing along to all the old favourites.’
Swing music will be providing the ambience throughout the evening, played by the Ashby Big Band.
The Bluebird Belles trio are also set to play some 1940s vintage close harmonies.
A traditional Guernsey afternoon tea, sponsored by Waitrose, will be served.
‘The event acknowledges the hardship of islanders during the war years, whether at home or away.
‘Demand for tickets is always very high so 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,’ said Dame Mary.
The hangar balls take place on 7 and 8 May, from 7pm until midnight.
The tea dance will take place on Monday 9 May.
A form to complete and return to apply for tickets is in today's Guernsey Press.
Tables of six or 12 are available for the hangar balls at a cost of £55 per head. Tickets will be available on Wednesday via Ticketsource.co.uk.
Bookings for Saturday night will be available at https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/booking/t-onojmd.
Bookings for Sunday night will be available at https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/booking/t-gnmamx.
