The Devil’s in the Dance Hall Comes to Loughrea

The Devil’s in the Dance Hall Comes to Loughrea

The Devil’s in the Dance Hall is coming to the Temperance Hall, Loughrea on Saturday 15th November as part of Galway Trad Fest.

Once vibrant hubs of music, community and freedom, these dance halls came under fierce attack in the 1930s from church and state, who labelled them dangerous, immoral and “the devil’s work.” The dance halls and their all night dances were causing the degeneration of Irish society. “The dance hall door is the gate of Hell, and too many are queuing to enter.”

In 1935 the Dance Hall Act was brought into law making it illegal to dance in your home, crossroads, barn or dance hall unless you had obtained a dance licence.

Now, 90 years on, the dancers rebel again! There’ll be no dance hall licence obtained for these grand dance nights, where the devil himself will be sure to sweep you off your feet.

Come dance to the roaring sound of The Gralton Big Band where Edwina Guckian will teach you all the moves and have you jazzing all night long.

Expect set dancing, Sean Nós, swing, foxtrots, slow sets and scandal!

So come dressed in your finest 1930s gear, polish up your brogues, wear your boldest lipstick and make it a night you’ll never forget, dancing with the devil in the dancehall.

TICKETS: https://www.edwinaguckian.com/the-devils-in-the-dance-hall/

THE GRALTON BIG BAND featuring:

Cathy Jordan • Ryan Molloy • Stephen Doherty • David Doocey • Matt Berrill • Jim Higgins • Conor Caldwell • Bronagh Graham • Ben Castle • and many more special guests

Supported by @artscouncilireland Galway County Council CreativeIrl Music Generation Galway & GRETB

Temperance Hall, Barrack Street, Loughrea, County Galway.

Discover Loughrea is brought to you by Loughrea Chamber of Commerce, supporting businesses and community locally.