Through all the twists and turns of this pandemic, the so-called Freedom Day has offered cathartic release for many.
We have been isolated and disconnected for so long, we have missed the moments that bring us joy – but July 19 brought a feeling of happiness as the sun shone on England.
No one has danced on the iconic Blackpool Tower ballroom floor for 16 months, but people returned on Monday with a spring in their step.
Great live music brought this place to life and many of those protecting themselves and themselves from the virus were back to finally experience freedom.
Four generations of the Riley family have attended the Tower Ballroom for years.
Dancing is in their blood, they said, and coming back to the ballroom for them was a special moment.
Arthur Riley, 74, came with his wife, daughter and grandson.
“We have so much fun dancing here,” he said.
Beverley Hunt said dancing again was bittersweet
“This place is so special and for years and years families have been coming here and dancing.
“It is one of the most iconic places in the world to dance and it is a real honor and an invaluable opportunity to be here.
“I missed it so much.”
But what would normally have been four generations was only three on Monday. During the pandemic, Arthur lost his father – a man who danced in the ballroom until the age of 97. Her daughter Beverley Hunt said the day was “bittersweet”.
She told Sky News: “Dancing is freedom anyway, it’s your release, you get everything you need here anyway.
“But it’s the first time we’ve been back without my grandfather and it’s really sad, especially because dancing meant a lot to him too.”
People have traveled all over to participate in the reopening of the Blackpool Tower Ballroom.
Anthony Reed and his wife Chris left at 3:30 a.m. to be among the first to hit the dance floor
Chris and Antoine …
More information about this article Read More
Source: news.sky.com
This notice was published: 2021-07-19 21:01:00
