FOR the first time in five decades, one of Rhyl most established groups of performers will not hold its annual summer season.

The Gay Harris Dancers plans to celebrate its milestone 50th anniversary, with four consecutive weeks of shows from Friday, July 24, have been cancelled due to the ongoing closure of the Rhyl Pavilion during the pandemic.

This latest cancellation follows the school’s VE Day event ‘Songs That Won the War’ being scuppered by the Coronavirus. However, not to be deterred the school - which typically hold classes at Ysgol Emmanuel - is continuing to practice with instructor Adele Harris offer free classes over Zoom.

Rhyl Journal:

The Gay Harris Dancers will not perform their summer season for the first time in 50 years. Picture: Steffan Fierros

Ms Harris said: “As I’ve told the children, we’re all in the same boat as the other local groups who have had to cancel their shows.

“So rather than doom or gloom, I’ve been telling them that in years to come they can say to their grand children that they spent their lockdown going to their teachers very tidy kitchen to keep dancing.

“It’s important to give the children something to look forward to, to focus on so I’m hoping when we can get back together after September we’ll have a new show booked to celebrate 50 years.

“The show will go on.”

The Gay Harris Dancers have booked a date in November to hopefully put on a show and the school also hopes to be back on stage during the Panto season in Rhyl this Christmas.

Rhyl Journal:

Gay Harris receives an MBE from Princess Anne in 2009

Established in 1970 by veteran dance, 2009 MBE recipient and Ms Harris mother Gay Harris, the school held the distinction of playing the last show at the old Pavilion theatre and opening the current venue in 1991.

In previous years the Gay Harris Dancers played longer, six week summer seasons at venues such as the Gaeity Theatre and the Coliseum.

Over the years, the self funded school has actively raised money for charities each year, raising £1,200 for Ty Gobaith, a charity many of the members hold “close to their hearts”, from the Fawlty Tappers at Christmas.

As well as continuing to practice during lock down, the school continues to fundraise with the dancers producing a video to support Ty Gobaith, with their rendition of the ABBA hit Thank You for the Music and have raise more than £1,000.

To donate money to Ty Gobaith, visit justgiving.com/hhch.