Rylan co-hosting Liberation Tea Dance and Hangar Ball

The tickets for the Hangar Ball will go on sale at 9am on Monday 10 February and both the Tea Dance and Hangar Ball will be held on Thursday 8 May.

‘I’m delighted to welcome Rob back to Guernsey for the 80th anniversary, and that he’s bringing his good friend Rylan with him who will join him to co-host our events,’ said Specsavers founder Dame Mary Perkins.

‘Rob has proved incredibly popular in previous years, and I know that he has fallen in love with the island and its people and thoroughly enjoys his time here.

‘Rob is passionate about history, especially in connection to WW2 and even spent some of his time in Alderney during his visit last year.

‘This gives him an added empathy for evacuees and those who served during the war.’

Back by popular demand, Michael Buble-endorsed big band Down for the Count will be back this year with a bigger 21-piece cohort, who bring the sounds of the Swing Era back to life, with an electrifying show full of incredible energy and musicianship.

Since bursting onto the scene at Twinwood Festival in 2013, the band have quickly earned themselves a reputation as one of the hardest swinging bands in the UK, with one of their lead singers being a Channel Islander himself.

They are constantly in demand, regularly selling out shows at Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club, Le Caveau de la Huchette in Paris, The London Jazz Festival and on tours of the UK.

Down for the Count will be joined by 40s singing and dancing entertainers and vintage trio The Bluebird Belles and authentic wartime Spiv from South London, Viv the Spiv.

The Liberation Tea Dance, an event for those who lived in Guernsey during the Occupation, were evacuated, deported or saw active service during the Second World War, will also take place on Thursday 8 May at Beau Sejour between 1.30pm and 4pm.

Islanders will be treated to a traditional Guernsey afternoon tea and the event promises to be as lively as ever. Guests are encouraged to come to the event in 40s clothes, military uniform or traditional Guernsey dress to add a sense of nostalgia to the day.

‘The Tea Dance is always very popular and we’re excited that it’s the time of the year again to start making plans for the event,’ said Dame Mary.

‘The dancing and the music are my favourite part of the day and guests will be able to dance and sing along to all the old favourites.’

The afternoon event will be followed by a Hangar Ball on the Thursday evening. Attendees will be treated to the same line up of entertainers and a hot meal.

n Tickets for the Hangar Ball go on sale from 9am on Monday 10 February at www.ticketsource.co.uk/specsavershangarball and cost £55 each.

An application form for the Tea Dance is printed on this page and is also available from Specsavers’ support office at La Villiaze, the Market Street Specsavers store or at Beau Sejour reception.

Alternatively, an email can be sent to amy.obrien2@specsavers.com.

Tickets will be posted out nearer the event.

The ‘Specsavers Liberation Hangar Ball’ Facebook page will be updated with all information.