Book to celebrate Aberdeen’s Beach Ballroom

Since it first opened its doors in 1929, the ballroom has played to host to an array of stars from Joe Loss to the Beatles, Cream and Pink Floyd and the Ordinary Boys.

Boasting one of Scotland’s finest dance floors, which floats on fixed steel springs, the ballroom has been a place where scores of Aberdonians have found romance over the past eight decades.

“Memories of the Beach Ballroom” - produced by Aberdeen City Council - charts the social history of the Beach Ballroom over the last 84 years - from the Roaring 20s and Beatlemania through to the new ballroom dancing revival.

A city council spokeswoman explained: “Following an appeal for people to share their memories of the popular venue hundreds of people, from as far away as Canada and Australia, got in touch with stories and photographs of their times at the Beach Ballroom.

“Aberdeen City Council staff at the Beach Ballroom and Central Library have worked on the book for almost three years.”

Memories

Said Lord Provost Adam: “Aberdeen’s Beach Ballroom has held a special place in the hearts of many people for over 80 years which is clear to see from the many contributions in the book.

“I am sure people of all ages will enjoy reading about people’s memories and photographs of the time they have spent at this iconic venue in the Granite City.”

Ray Douglas, the ballroom’s manager, said: “Over the years we have often had people come and tell us about their memories of visits to the Beach Ballroom. These stories were always so interesting and unique that we decided we would like to capture as many of them as possible and the best way to do that would be in the form of a book.”

He added: “Opening the book will be a wonderful trip down memory lane for the thousands of people who have enjoyed the splendour and magic of the Beach Ballroom.”