After a bleak two-year hiatus, the hugely popular Specsavers Hangar ball’s are back for 2022, looking bigger and brighter than ever.
This year, the timing of the events make the most of the Liberation weekend and take place at Beausejour on the Saturday and Sunday nights, the 7th and 8th May. They are followed on Liberation Day itself, by the annual Tea dance at the slightly earlier time of 1.00 pm.
The booking form for the Tea Dance is in the Guernsey Press (28th February), the Guernsey press offices and Specsavers’ head office at La Villiaze. Applications for tickets close on March 21.
Islanders who lived in Guernsey through the Occupation, were evacuated, deported or saw active service, can apply for Tea Dance tickets by completing the form in the Guernsey Press or email events.marketing@specsavers.com.
The popular Ashby Big Band will make a welcome return to the island to ensure that all the events go with a swing, along with 40’s vintage close harmony trio The Bluebird Belles and an exciting line-up of entertainers. A traditional Guernsey afternoon tea, sponsored by Waitrose, will be served and this year’s event promises to be as lively as ever.
Specsavers’ founder Dame Mary Perkins says, ‘The tea dance is always very popular and we’re particularly excited to be marking the 77th anniversary this year. 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.’
‘The event acknowledges the hardship of islanders during the war years, whether at home or away,’ says Dame Mary. ‘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.’
Islanders are encouraged to come to the events in 40’s clothes, military uniform or traditional Guernsey dress to add a sense of nostalgia to the day.
The Hangar Balls will take place on Saturday 7th + Sunday 8th 7.00pm until 00:00am. The night will host the Gurkhas and Chelsea Pensioners once again.
The two Hangar balls are identical in content and guests will be treated to the same line up of entertainers and a hot meal. The tickets will be released on Ticketsource.co.uk on Wednesday 2nd March 1.00pm until they are all sold. Tables of 6 or 12 are available at a cost of £55 per head.
