Dancers enjoy final twirl around the floor at Tamworth Assembly Rooms

The last tea dance at Tamworth Assembly Rooms attracted the highest number of dancers for many years as people enjoyed taking a final turn around the floor before the theatre closes for refurbishment.

Almost 60 people enjoyed the last waltz in the Victorian hall last week, giving the traditional event a fitting send-off until it returns at the new-look theatre in some 18 months’ time.

Tamworth Borough Council’s Cabinet member for Economy, Cllr Steve Claymore, said: “Regular tea dances have been a fixture at the historic building for several decades and it was great to see so many people enjoying the last one before the refurbishment break.

“We had some fantastic feedback from dancers, who commented on good food, good company and a good night.”

The Assembly Rooms closes next month for improvement works as part of the ambitious £6.1million project to develop a Creative Quarter in the heart of Tamworth town centre.

Work to the theatre will include the creation of a café bar and exhibition space, a multi-use area, a glass studio on the side of the building, a new box office and glazed double doors at the front of the building.

The Assembly Rooms gets its final curtain call on Saturday February 6 at the end of a four-night run of the Tamworth Gang Show 2016.

Audiences who want to enjoy the theatre one last time can visit between February 3 and February 6 for an evening of variety entertainment featuring everything from spoof comedy to music.

Tamworth Gang Show is performed by a cast of more than 80 young people from Scout and Guide units across the borough.

Tickets for Tamworth Gang Show performances are priced at £8, £6 concessions, and are available online at www.tamworthartsandevents.co.uk, from the Tourist Information Centre in Corporation Street or by calling the Box Office on 01827 709618. A transaction fee of £1 is payable on all online and telephone bookings.