BHSB792MIS[3] – Sherry’s Dancing Palace Poster, c1900-1930

Part of the One Minute Wonders trail, a story written by one of our volunteers, inspired by objects on display.

By Gillian Ditch

This poster is promoting the opening of one of Brighton’s well-known dance halls in 1919. It held up to 2000 dancers and opened from 12.00 pm daily.

Sherry’s was my favourite disco in the late 1970’s; how many young people have enjoyed happy times there in the 100+ years since it was opened I wonder?

Dancing was the way many people met their future partners; both men and women would dress in their best cloths, and dance halls would promote new tunes and new bands.

How many families were created in Brighton as a result of dance hall romances? What other memories do people have of visiting these dance halls?

How many people still dress up to go out on a Saturday night in the 21st century? Is dancing or going to night clubs still a way to meet future partners I wonder?