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HANGAR DANCES

The dances are held in a genuine World War II Hangar at Ellough Airfield, courtesy of Mr & Mrs Bryan Collen.

The first Hangar Dance was held in September 2001, and although it was not a 'sell out' we realized that holding a 1940's Dance in a genuine World War II Hangar had a great appeal. Music was supplied by Tom Plunkett and his 'Superswing Big Band', a twenty piece band with a superb vocalist

Superswing Big Band is the premier group in the North Suffolk and Waveney are performing the classic swing repertoire of the 1940's and 1950's. It was formed by a group of former pupils from the Sir John Leman High School, Beccles who persuaded Tom Plunkett to help them to contine playing the music they had grown to love. The band is a mixture of youth and experience. As well as the original members, it boasts players from all the different styles on the local music scene. The vocalist, Sian Mortlock adds a new dimension to the band with her stylish interpretations of the standard repertoire.

The second dance was held in June 2002, and all tickets were sold very quickly. Ian McCallum of The Norfolk Military Vehicle Group offered to arrange for some of his colleagues to bring along their military vehicles, and all kinds of vehicle arrived from fire engines to jeeps. They have continued to support us every year since. More and more of the dancers came along in 1940's uniform and fashion which all add to the authenticity of the evening

From 2002 the dances have gone from strength to strength, the Hangar is decorated with drapes, flags and bunting, and for the past three years has been held on two consecutive evenings, always the last Friday and Saturday in June.

In 2007 we introduced a system of ticket checking at the gate, organized by the Norfolk Military Vehicle Group.

This year, there will be a short dancing display organized by Alan Roper, a keen military vehicle owner and ticket checker, not to mention superb dancer.