Selsey Pavilion Archives: 1930-1939

Cinema was growing in popularity as the stars appeared on the silver screen.

The 1930s witnessed the rapid decline of touring concert parties. However, the Pavilion hosted Dan Denton’s “Selsey Follies” for ten summer seasons to entertain residents and holidaymakers. The mix of dances, dinners, meetings, and whist drives was augmented by horticultural shows, which proved popular.

The Pavilion hosted Carnival Queen competitions and Carnival dances that lasted long into the early hours. The Pavilion played a significant role in the 1937 Coronation celebrations. The World War One play “Journey’s End” was staged in 1933 and 1934. The playwright, R. C. Sherriff, attended several rehearsals for the 1933 production. Selsey hosted several “Blackshirts” camps, with rallies being staged at the Pavilion. Oswald Mosley attended a performance of the “Selsey Follies” on one occasion.