decorations of the rooms and their approaches were superior to anything before seen on the occasion of any previous ball. The staircase was lined with flags and evergreens, the orchestra had a canopied erection emblazoned with colored(sic) lamps and a star. At the opposite end was suspended a large emblematic banner, whilst the other walls were covered with mottoes, banners and suitable devices. A triumphal arch was erected at the entrance to the ante-room; and these, together with decorated union jacks, banners bannerets and inscriptions, presented a scene of gaiety of an almost startling character.
Public Bands
The two towns formed a united committee for providing public bands to play alternately at Hastings and St. Leonards, from 11 till one (or if the weather be wet from 2 till 4) and from 6 till 8, daily. Kluckner’s (the socalled Hastings) Band, commenced on the 28th of July, and Herr Limmer’s (St. Leonards) Band about three weeks later. The Band stands or places for playing were arranged and programmes issued, such being Marine parade and Marina; Robertson terrace and Eversfield place; Verulam place and Grand parade; White Rock and Marina; Marine Parade and Warrior-square Gardens; Wellington-square Gardens and Archery Ground – A diversified and far superior arrangement to that of the one only place on the White-rock Baths at the time of writing in 1899.
Concerts.
In aid of the Infirmary and Dispensary, an excellent concert was given in the Music Hall on the 31st of January, by the united Choral Society of St. Leonards and Amateur Glee singers of Hastings; thus benefitting the two medical institutions by about £12 each.
A Grand Concert, arranged by Messrs. Lockey and Lindridge took place in the Music Hall on the 16th of February, although under a maladventure the most discouraging. Sims Reeves, the great tenor, was announced as one of the vocalists, and the Hall was packed in every corner; but a notice, with a medical certificate, was posted at the door, that the gentleman was ill in bed. Mr. Lockey being in London and finding how matters stood, immediately engaged Madam Catherine Hayes to fill up the void. This lady sang so sweetly and so obligingly (being twice encored) as to recompense the audience for the disappointment.
A Concert of Sacred Music was given on the morning of March 21st in the schoolroom at Ore by the church choir of that district, assisted by professionals of Hastings and Rye.
The Cremona Union, a talented company, gave three concerts in the Music Hall on the 2nd and 3rd of April, to delighted audiences.
