IF you enjoyed a night at a venue which played host to the likes of The Rolling Stones and The Beatles then a museum wants to hear from you.
Stevenage Museum is holding a special exhibition to uncover stories of the town’s Locarno Dance Hall and wants to record residents’ memories.
The Locarno – now the Mecca Bingo hall in Stevenage town centre – was a popular venue in the 1960s and ‘70s with a rich history of dancing and live music, with other famous bands taking to the stage including The Who and The Kinks, as well as singers Tom Jones and Stevie Wonder.
The exhibition, called Let’s Go Dancing, will be held at the Gordon Craig Theatre next month and will feature listening booths of recorded memories, as well as images, memorabilia and a detailed history of the venue.
“The Locarno was the place to be for a generation of people who will have spent many an amazing night at the venue, which became an important social hub for our town,” said councillor Howard Burrell, executive member for children and young people, culture, sport and leisure at Stevenage Borough Council.
“Many residents will have met their husband or wife there, enjoyed the likes of The Beatles and The Kinks for just five shillings or perhaps even worked there. If you have memories, photos or memorabilia of the Locarno, you could help tell the story of this fantastic and unique venue, so please get in touch with Stevenage Museum if you can help.”
For more information on the project or to share your memories call Stevenage Museum on 01438 218881 or email museum@stevenage.gov.uk
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