Hundreds of people flocked to the Bournemouth Pavilion on Sunday 29th March to be part of the celebrations for its 80th anniversary. For the first time, the doors to the Pavilion were thrown open as it hosted a free Open Day for the public. A vintage 1926 Cabriolet De Ville Rolls Royce, courtesy of Superwed Cars, took pride of place outside the Pavilion to set the 1920s theme of the day.
Two local residents with special links to the Pavilion’s important milestone kicked off the celebrations! 91-year-old Barbara Knowles, who at age 11, took part in the Pavilion’s opening ceremony on 19th March 1929, and Patrick Thornton who shares the same birthday as the Pavilion cut the ribbon to launch the Open Day. Before retiring, Patrick was a professional musician and frequently played in the Pavilion's Ballroom over the years. Mrs Knowles remembers the occasion that took place over 80 years ago like it was yesterday: “I was a member of the St John’s guides and we all lined the Pinewalk for the opening procession. It was very exciting because the Duke of Gloucester, the Mayor and other important people were there.”
The Open Day marked the fact that the Pavilion has been entertaining audiences for the past eight decades and included talks from local historians Hugh Ashley and John Walker, Enchanting Bournemouth film screenings and performances from Dance South West and Theatre 2000 on stage, as well as regular organist performances on the original 1929 Compton Theatre Organ. Youngsters also took part in workshops hosted by Adventure Wonderland and Bournemouth Youth Theatre in the Lucullus Room. People also took the time to reminisce about past events and their memories of the Pavilion, as archive material was displayed in an exhibition.
Peter Gunn, Managing Director of the Pavilion and BIC said: “We’re absolutely thrilled with how many people - including past performers, couples who met at the Pavilion and families - came along to share in the celebrations during the Open Day; they made it a phenomenal success. Being at the heart of Bournemouth’s entertainment scene for the last 80 years is a real achievement and the Open Day proved that the Pavilion holds a special place in people’s hearts, old and young; here’s to the next 80 years!”
Over 500 people took part in the 1920s afternoon tea dance in the Ballroom, dancing to music by the New Foxtrot Serenaders and Mel Douglas. Visitors really got into the swing of things and dressed up in vintage 1920s outfits – 6 lucky people won prizes for their efforts. They were also entertained by a 1920s cabaret performance from local dance company Stage Door School of Dance and Drama and there was also a special cutting of the cake ceremony by Mayor of Bournemouth Cllr Stephen Chappell where visitors all joined in for a chorus of Happy Birthday.
A commemorative programme, produced by local historian Hugh Ashley, author of Bournemouth Pavilion: A Celebration, will be available to purchase for £1 during 2009.
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