Brighton Dome is opening its doors for a day of free activities exploring wartime memories of the venue on Saturday 6 November.
Brighton Dome played a pivotal role in the city’s war effort – from keeping Indian soldiers in good health during the First World War, to providing a place for young men and women to socialise in the troubling times of the Second World War – the venue offered a place for shelter and solace in very different ways.
During the 1940s, Brighton & Hove residents and soldiers on leave would have let off steam at regular Dome Dancing events. To recreate the popular routines of the times, Sussex Swing will bring wartime dancing back to the Concert Hall, with lessons in the Allies’ Waltz, an early sequence dance from 1917 and the energetic Lindy Hop, which originated in America and became a favourite dance in the UK. For fans of vintage style, Gladrags Costume Hire will display the fashionable outfits that would have been worn during the era of ‘make do and mend’ and a workshop will demonstrate how the glamorous Victory Rolls hairstyle can be achieved.
The personal stories of people who were connected to the venue are brought to life in an exhibition of photographs, letters and ephemera researched by Brighton Dome’s heritage volunteers. From the moving accounts of Indian soldiers recuperating at the Royal Pavilion Estate’s military hospital, to the fascinating mystery of how a young Brighton woman’s handbag revealed a wartime love story.
The open day is free admission, with some activities such as the dance lessons bookable in advance.
Full details on brightondome.org.
Brighton Dome in WW1 and WW2
10am-4pm, Saturday 6 November
Allies’ Waltz dance lesson 10.30am
Lindy Hop dance lesson 12pm
Victory Rolls hairstyling workshop 2.30pm
FREE
Brighton Dome, Church Street, Brighton BN1 1UE
Book activities online: brightondome.org
Tel: 01273 709709
Ticket Office open Mon-Sat 10am-2pm
