A TOWN is preparing to hold its first May Ball tonightand organisers are promising a full range of entertainment to cater for a wide variety of musical tastes.

A TOWN is preparing to hold its first May Ball tonightand organisers are promising a full range of entertainment to cater for a wide variety of musical tastes.

The event is being held at The Cut Arts Centre and is raising funds for the Halesworth Arts Festival to be held in October and to improve disabled access at the impressive new arts venue.

Although it is being held in Halesworth organisers are keen to stress that the ball is aimed at people living all over the Waveney area.

The focus is firmly on fun rather than formality and the refurbished maltings provide an ideal venue.

In the main auditoriam guests will be able to dance torhythm and blues, jive and rock, provided by The Fat Band with support from Defunkt.

In the Concourse, Polly Gibbons, who has been described as having “a soulful voice that will capture your heart”, will be singing a selection of jazz numbers.

While for those people who prefer something more classical the Cut's own virtuoso chamber quarter will be performing upstairs in the Malt Room.

As well as all the entertainment, a splendid summer style buffet will be provided followed by strawberries and cream. For those who really want to celebrate Champagne will also be available.

James Hollowary, performing arts co-ordinator at the Cut, said: “May Balls are what kicks the summer off, whatever the weather.

“This will be Waveney's first summer ball experience.

“We want our guests to relax and have fun. It's going to be a great night for everyone.”

The event is also an important fund-raiser for the town's art festival.

“This year the arts festival is not receiving the substantial grant funding of previous years so we are hoping for a fantastic turn out for the first ever May Ball in Halesworth,” said festival chairman Michael Fagg.

“Never before has Halesworth had such a chance to party in an informal friendly atmosphere.

“By gathering a group of friends for this grooviest of gigs you will also be contributing greatly to our cause,” he said.

The May Ball starts at 7pm on Saturday, May 29, and tickets, which include admission, entertainment and buffet, are £16.

More information is available from New Cut Arts box office on 01986 873884.