Ilford Palais reunion to capture the magic of legendary venue
The Ilford Palais back in its heyday. Picture: John Wayne - Credit: Archant
Generations of clubbers can relive their party days by heading to a reunion night for one of east London’s most popular clubs.
A group posing for a picture at a previous Ilford Palais reunion night. Picture: John Wayne - Credit: Archant
The much-loved Ilford Palais, which hosted discos for decades and even welcomed high-profile celebrities such as West Ham United and England footballers Bobby Moore and Geoff Hurst, will be returning to its glory days at the Dagenham Roundhouse on Saturday.
The club, which was in High Road, Ilford, is finally back after years of people “crying out” for a reunion.
One of the organisers, John Wayne, of Green Lane, Dagenham, said: “We did talk about bringing it back, but thought there may not be a call for it.
“It was the people’s choice for a reunion and we’ve done it.”
The night will see old party-goers, bar staff and bouncers grooving out to a variety of music, from hits of the ‘60s and ‘70s to ‘80s and ‘90s soul, R&B and disco classics. It will include a set from the club’s legendary DJ Frostie.
“It’s going to be a mature night, a trouble-free night where you can come and have a party and enjoy a great atmosphere,” said John.
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“It was a local family-run thing. My dad used to run the door and my mum used to work there in the ‘80s.
“Our oldest member on the Facebook page is Peggy Pearce who used to go in the 1920s when it was a ballroom.”
Ilford Palais, which is now flats, started life out as Ilford’s first cinema, before becoming a dance hall and then finally a disco in the 1960s.
There have already been two reunion nights in the past year, but the night is now going to have a regular spot once a month at the Roundhouse Club, officially starting in 2017.
“It’s probably the best venue we could have possibly found,” said John.
The Ilford Palais reunion night is recommended for over-35s. It starts at 8pm and runs until 2am at the Roundhouse, Lodge Avenue. Tickets cost £10 – call 020 8592 1605 for more information.
