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The Locarno Ballroom
On 1 October 1929 the Locarno Dance Hall opened in Streatham, just down the hill from the new Streatham Hill Theatre which was preparing its own opening in November 1929.
Opened by band leader Billy Cotton, it was a glittering occasion attended by over 1,500 dancers.
It operated under several different names, closing in 2004, and ultimately being demolished as part of the London Square redevelopment of the site.
I visited the Streatham Locarno many times each week between 1964 to 1969 many happy times.
So sad it was demolished as it was an Art-Deco building
Unfortunate, we have lost so many fine buildings that remain in peoples memories for great experiences that now cannot be repeated in similar surroundings. So keep supporting Streatham Hill Theatre campaign, it is a fine building and retains so much of its high days not least the stage machinery.
Hi Richard, can you remember the name of the band that played regularly at the time you were there? I’m wracking my brain out trying to remember it. I was 18 in 1964, so know I was a regular there and the bowling alley.