Enjoying The Pavilion!

Tom took part in a free open day at Bournemouth Pavilion, the town’s Grade II listed Art Deco theatre and ballroom, on Saturday 13 April, which included:

The Compton Organ: Dating back to the theatre’s official open day in 1929 the organ was built specifically for the theatre’s concert hall. It is now used by musicians who still perform monthly organ recitals. Theatre organist Elizabeth Harrison who plays regularly at Blackpool Tower demonstrated the Compton Organ during the day. The organ and the Pavilion’s Steinway grand piano were on stage to have a close look at throughout the day.

Guided Tours: Local experts and members of the theatre’s team guided visitors around the theatre, ballroom, on stage and behind the scenes with running anecdotal commentary about the venue’s history.

Tea Dance: The open day also included a free-to-attend afternoon Tea Dance to welcome beginners and more experienced dancers to an assortment of Ballroom, Latin and popular dances, with live music from Elizabeth Harrison on keyboard.

Short film excerpts were shown on 35mm vintage film – the projector and film were on view in the Pavilion Circle area, and displays of archived programmes, photographs, and posters lined the East Corridor.

Tom Hayes, Labour’s Parliamentary Candidate for Bournemouth East, said: “The Pavilion is so much a part of Bournemouth’s cultural identity. It was great to celebrate the magic of theatre, music, and film, and get a revealing look inside the life and times of this iconic theatre.”

Tom at Bournemouth Pavilion during their Open Day.