Paying homage to historic Huntly dance...without the riots
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GET ready for a swinging night as Stewarts Hall goes back to the 1940s for a charity Victory Dance.
Raising funds for Huntly and District Ex-Servicemen's Club, the event promises to be the full package with food, dancing, live music and prizes, on Saturday, September 3, from 7pm.
The event links back to an intriguing story of a Victory Dance back in the '40s where riots were said to take place because service personnel were banned from attending the event in favour of "monied locals".
Anne Ritchie, one of the event's organisers said: "I haven't seen any evidence to back up the story, but it's certainly been passed down the generations about the riot in Huntly. It's a fascinating story.
"We are not recreating that event, as such, but we are paying homage to the real servicemen who won the war.
Anne added: "The dance was supposed to be part of the 75th anniversary celebrations of the end of the war, but of course, Covid put a stop to that. We're delighted to be able to go ahead with this celebration finally, and also to raise vital funds for the ex-servicemen.
"The club is really struggling at the moment and is not open as much as it could be, due to lack of funds. We want to acknowledge the past as the same time as giving something to the current club members.
"It is important for ex-service people socially as well as for health and wellbeing. It's a place they can talk about their experiences and support each other."
Tickets are £20 and include entertainment from Jessiman Dance School – who will be dressed the part in vintage-style costumes – and RAF Lossiemouth Swing Band. There will also be stovies included in the ticket price, made by The Larder Huntly, plus a free raffle.
There will be a licensed bar on the night.
Tickets can be purchased at Rizza’s, Huntly Carpets and Huntly Ex Servicemen’s Club, or by emailing huntlyexclub@icloud.com.
