Bournemouth Pavilion, the town’s Grade II listed Art Deco theatre and ballroom, is hosting a free-to-attend open day, on Friday 3 June, to mark Her Majesty the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

Bournemouth’s iconic Pavilion Theatre will be welcoming all from the community with a free-to-attend open day on Friday 3 June 2022 between 10am and 5pm. Celebrating the magic of theatre and marking the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, the open day will give a revealing inside look into the illustrious theatre.

Councillor Beverley Dunlop, BCP Council’s Portfolio Holder for Culture, comments:

“The Pavilion is embedded in Bournemouth’s cultural identity and has played host to countless musicals, operas, ballets, pantomimes, comedy shows, gala dinners, banquets, receptions, fairs, dances and fashion shows over its nearly 100-year history.

“Coinciding with the celebrations that will be taking place throughout our region to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, the open day will be a unique opportunity for you to see behind the scenes and explore one of our most iconic landmark venues.’’

There will be a free to attend afternoon tea dance between 2-4pm for beginners and more experienced dancers, with an assortment of Ballroom, Latin and popular dances. With live music provided by Cameron Lloyd at the keyboard.

For those who want to learn more about the theatre’s past, guided tours from local experts will take visitors around the theatre, ballroom, on stage and behind the scenes with running anecdotal commentary about the theatre’s history.

Visitors can also explore the building’s more intricate workings in the wings and watch backstage footage of areas not previously seen by the public. This includes original stage equipment from the 1930s, the fly floors and the stage loading gallery. Displays of archived programmes, photographs, and posters will line the corridors while 35mm archive film and footage will be shown on the big screen in the theatre.

Music fans will have the opportunity to learn more about the venue’s resident Compton Organ, which was built specifically for the theatre’s concert hall and dates back to 1929, as well as the musicians who still perform monthly organ recitals. Acclaimed theatre organist, Cameron Lloyd from the Blackpool Opera House, will perform on the organ throughout the day. Plus, the Pavilion’s Steinway Concert grand piano will also be played during the day and be available on stage for all who would like to have a turn.

Younger visitors can follow the venue’s star trail while aspiring theatrical technicians can try their hand operating the theatre’s lighting desk with guidance from the Pavilion’s stage technical crew. There will be a children’s face painter and a dressing up area for those taking those special selfies.

Tours will be running at 10.30 am 12noon, 1.30 pm and 3.30 pm. 15 spaces will be available on a first-come-first-served basis – visitors should ask at the main reception on the day to check availability. Each tour will last approximately 1 hour. Places will be limited, and some areas contain stairs.

Over the rest of the Jubilee weekend the Pavilion Terrace Bistro, which overlooks the gardens, will be a throng of activity. There will be face painters and balloon modellers to amuse visitors who stop by for refreshments. Children’s entertainer Krazy Kev will be delighting the crowds with clever magic tricks and there will be live music and circus antics. The Pavilion Jubilee Fountain, which was named in June 2012 to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee by the then Mayor Cllr. Stanley Watts, will also be running (weather permitting).