Nights of fun at the Crystal Palace.
Dance Nights. There was certainly no frills about the internal basic infrastructure of the Crystal Palace but what a great venue for the occasional big dance events. It laid on all the primary requirements in the way of a huge dance floor, a large
raised stage for the band,simple seating and tables around the dance floor and an area in which to go and buy your drinks
and light eatables.
A couple of the favourite visiting Bands where Jack Parnell and Ted Heath. Both these Bands came top of the list Nationally
and where frequently on the Radio and also on ' Records'. Ted Heaths vocalists,Dickie Valentine, Lita Rosa and Dennis Lotis where top individual singers in there own right.
As the band struck up for its first number all signs of the infrastructure simplicity would transform into the best dance place in the world. Great big band sounds,big dance floor and a lot of people eager to dance and mix.
After two or three laps round this large dance floor doing the Quick Step most people would start to ' puff and blow ' a bit.
A couple of dances and then bring in a bit of strategy. Go and have a beer whilst you got your breath back.
Great Night. Well worth the attention to that extra fine crease in your trousers, the extra shine you put on your shoes, the
choice of your favourite tie and the smart haircut with a bit of Brylcreem.
The Crystal Palace also went under the other name ' The Orange Grove '. I've wondered once or twice if this might have been us Brummies dissociating it from the London image.
Anyone for a Waltz.