Visitors to the Drill House on York Road in Great Yarmouth this weekend will be treated to the sounds and dance moves of yesteryear as SeaChange Arts welcome The Ragroof Players for a special tea dance to celebrate the building’s 150th anniversary.

Eastern Daily Press: The Ragroof tea dance is coming to the Drill House in York Road, Great Yarmouth. The Drill House is home to SeaC hange Arts.The Ragroof tea dance is coming to the Drill House in York Road, Great Yarmouth. The Drill House is home to SeaC hange Arts. (Image: Ragroof Players)

A participatory event featuring DJs and authentic music from the 1920s to 1950s, the Ragroof players present vintage costumes, glorious dance displays, the company’s trademark instant dance classes, and a chance for everyone to trip the light fantastic.

“The event forms part of our Heritage Lottery funded Drill House 150 project,” said SeaChange’s senior producer, Veronica Stephens. “The building has a long history of hosting functions and dances and this seemed a fantastic way of celebrating it – welcoming people of all ages to enjoy a bit of vintage entertainment.”

“Everyone is welcome, no partners needed. Ragroof’s unique approach to partner dancing encourages everyone to learn the steps of both lead and follow, rather than be dictated to by gender.”

The afternoon of vintage delights will see Ragroof leading classic dances like the Charleston, Waltz, Mambo plus some scintillating Jive and Swing.

The Drill House 150 project sees a number of events and projects celebrating the anniversary of the Grade II listed building. SeaChange are also keen to hear from people with memories of the building as they build an archive of its life over the last century and half.

The former Drill Hall on York Road was the base for the 2nd Volunteer Battalion Norfolk Regiment. Built in 1867, English Heritage have described it as “one of the finest Drill Halls still standing.”

Over the years, it has housed concerts, marching bands and became a community sports hall before SeaChange acquired the building in 2012. The main hall has recently undergone a £1.5 million refurbishment, supported by Arts Council England, to turn it into an international circus and street arts centre.

The Ragroof Players Tea Dance next Saturday, November 18 is free, but places should be booked in advance to ensure admission.

Visit www.seachangearts.org.uk or call 01493 745458 to check availability or to book your place.