Arts event took place as industrial action brought the threat of power cuts

ONE of the highlights of Burton’s social calendar was staged at the town hall in March 1972.

The annual Theatre Arts Ball saw the municipal aura of the town hall shed in favour of fancy dress designs.

This was the 24th annual show and organisers said the standard of costumes worn was at its highest for years with the competition “fierce in all categories”.

Arts Ball Committee chairman Mr Owen-Smith said: “Twenty-four years is a considerable time especially for those stalwarts of the committee who have run this thing for all of that time.

“I want to praise Fred Warren, the secretary of the committee and his wife Jessica. They bear the greatest burden in organising this ball. It’s no small task but they have done it for a few years now so perhaps they are getting used to it.

“All of this work is worthwhile when the committee sees the quality and standard of the costumes being worn tonight.”

Praise was also heaped on Geoff Jacks for the decor, and Archie Gentles and Frank Kerry for providing space for the scenery makers to “work in luxury”.

Industrial action in 1972 meant frequent power cuts put the future of the arts ball in jeopardy.

Mr Owen-Smith said: “At one time we thought that the power cuts would mean that there would be no Theatre Arts Ball this year.

“This caused us a lot of unnecessary worry. However, in the end, Lady Luck shined on us.”