Dancers strut their stuff in stately grounds

Picnicking partygoers danced in the park to a live band at Mannington Hall in a successful summer event raising funds for Sheringham Little Theatre.

More than 200 people enjoyed a drinks and food in the grounds before strutting their stuff to the pop, soul and funk of the Lee Vasey Band.

He last played at the venue more than 10 years ago – so theatre president Lady Walpole, who lives at the hall, and theatre fundraisers thought it was about time for an “encore.”

The crowd filled the grassy dance floor most of the night as the band played non-stop classic sing and dance-along hits. Plus the threatening clouds skirted the event.

The party ended with a giant circle of dancers kicking out to New York New York.

Theatre director Debbie Thompson said: “It is such a glorious setting for a summer event like this. The atmosphere was happy and relaxed, with some people celebrating birthdays, others returning having seen Lee the last time he played here, and lots of people getting up to dance – including me! It was a real feel-good evening where everyone went away smiling.”

The following evening there was a change of style and tempo as the Flutes and Frets Duo – Beth Stone and Daniel Murphy – entertained with music, from medieval to modern, played on instruments from the era when they were penned.

The two concerts have raised around £3000 for theatre funds.