January 1st 1945 - At 79 Elm Grove, Southea there was a Grand Home Guard New Years Dance. At the South Parade Pier, Billy Ternent and his Band and four vocalists prior to a middle east tour.
January 3rd 1945 - Nearly 500 children attend a party at St John's Hall with music from the RAF Silver Wings Dance Orchestra.
January 5th 1945 - Advert in the Evening News, Billy Bennett's Five Star Swingers will make your dance go with a swing, Phone Portsmouth 5689
January 17th 1945 - Miss Mansell's dancers and concert party at St Bartholomew's Church Hall, Outram Road 'in aid of our boys in the Merchant Navy'
January 19th 1945 _ Grand Ball at Kimbells, Southsea, with Sgt. Leslie Douglas and Pearl Carr, with the Bomber Command Dance Orchestra. Tickets at 7/6d each.
January 29th 1945 - At South Parade Pier, Carl Barriteau and his Dance Orchestra play for dancing.
January 30th 1945 - At the Ambassador Ballroom, Eileen McCaffery presents for the first time in Portsmouth, Leonard Scrivener and Nellie Duggan, famous London ballroom dancers plus Alan Green's band with Lew Harris. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, dancing at Unity Hall Arundel Street, good programme, band, sociable, jolly company.
February 1st 1945 - Dancing to Nancarrow's Band at the Co-operative Hall, Fratton Road.
February 3rd 1945 - At the Coliseum, Eddie Cox and his Woodchoppers Band plus full supporting variety show.
February 4th 1945 - Municipal Concerts continue at the Kings Theatre with Jacques String Orchestra and Leon Goosens.
February 5th 1945 - For the third time in nine weeks part of the show at the Coliseum is to be broadcast by the BBC to all parts of the world. At Hilsea Lido, Bill Cole and his Clubmen featuring Spencer Brown, trumpet.
February 7th 1945 - Ads in the Evening News, Fred Pervin, drummer, late of Empress Rooms, open for engagements. 303 Twyford Avenue. Alf Hallman and his Band available for engagements, 1 Lovett Road, Copnor.
February 12th 1945 - At the Oddfellows Hall, dancing to the Melody Makers.
February 14th 1945 - Evening News Ad, Billy Bennett's No 1 band, enquiries 44 Lonsdale Road, Cosham. The Central Portsmouth Conservative club gave a new years party for 150 children. The programme included community singing, followed by Val Verdun's conjuring acts, and then Betty Dine's party entertained the guests.
February 17th 1945 - At St Mary's Institute, Billy Bennett's Band play for the Portsmouth Aviation Dance.
February 20th 1945 - Copnor 'K' Group Wardens hold a social and dance at Copnor Methodists Chapel Hall with the Swingcopators, under the direction of Mr. K Williams.
February 22nd 1945 - Felix Mendlessohn and his Hawaiian Serenaders, plus Louisa Moe, exotic hula hula dancer. Tickets 5/0d.
February 23rd 1945 - The HC Accordion Club meet every Sunday at the Tramways Hall, Stubbington Avenue.
February 25th 1945 - The Melody Makers play for dancing at St Mary's Institute for the SJAB Portsmouth Division Dance.
February 26th 1945 - Dance at the Savoy Cafe.
February 27th 1945 - At the Cosham Trades Hall, Alf Hallman's Swingtette.
March 1st 1945 - Nancarrow's Band at the Co-op Hall Fratton.
March 2nd 1945 - Geraldo and his Orchestra play at The South Parade Pier for the Portsmouth City Police ball.
March 7th 1945 - British Home Stores Social Club dance at Co-op Hall Fratton Road with Brian and his Gaiety Club Band.
March 10th 1945 - The New Orleans Band play at Angerstein Hall. Cosham Bowling Club hold a dinner and dance at the British Restaurant, Drayton, with music from the Alma Tammage Band.
March 11th 1945 - 'M' area of the WVS dance at the Angerstein Hall North End with the Fireflies Band.
March 13th 1945 - Eugene and his Band entertain at the Coliseum. At the Ambassador, Cosham, Alan Green's band with 'Tony'.
March 14th 1945 - The New Orleans Band play at Angerstein Hall.
March 20th 1945 - The St John's Ambulance Brigade hold a social at the St Simons Church rooms in Albert Road, with music supplied by Basil Barrell's musical trio.
March 22nd 1945 - The Melody Makers make an appearance at the Ambassador Ballroom, Cosham.
March 27th 1945 - Will Hay jr. appears at the Coliseum. 'K' group of wardens hold a social at their Eppworth Road headquarters with music from the Syncopators under the direction of Mr. K Williams.
March 29th 1945 - The Portsmouth Cycling Club hold a dance at the Victory Hall, Fratton Road with music from the Melody Makers.
March 31st 1945 - Saturday, The Tivoli Cinema, requesitioned by the government before the war, re-opens for films.
April 1st 1945 - Carroll Gibbons and his Savoy Orpheans appear at the South Parade Pier
April 2nd 1945 - Cyril Fletcher in the show Easter Parade, is at the Kings Theatre. Melody Makers at the Oddfellows Hall.
April 4th 1945 - At St Mary's Church Kingston, the Portsmouth Glee Club perform an Easter Festival of Music.
April 5th 1945 - Nancarrows Band appear at Co-operative Hall Fratton Road.
April 8th 1945 - The famous Royal Air Force "Skyrockets Dance Orchestra" appear at the South Parade Pier. At the Connaught Drill hall Gosport, an orchestral concert with singers Florence Greaves, Helen Rook, Reg Fisher and John Hawkins. The Portsmouth Jazz Club meets at 32 Malvern Road Southsea.
April 12th 1945 - The St Simons Symphony Orchestra play a selection of classical pieces at St Simon's Church.
April 14th 1945 - Madame Cannaways Concert Party, entertain the lads at the Sailors hostel.
April 15th 1945 - Phil Green and his Orchestra with Teddy Johnson, at the South Parade Pier.
April 21st 1945 - At the Angerstein Hall, an appearance of 'Miki' Baker and her child discoveries with the Harry Sutton and his Band. The show was compared by young Bobby Collins.
April 22nd 1945 - At The South Parade Pier, Nat Allen and his Band.
April 25th 1945 - Hospital Ball at Kimbells with a specially augmented band.
April 28th 1945 - Harry Sutton and his band at the Angerstein Hall.
April 29th 1945 - Joe Loss and his Band at the South Parade Pier.
May 4th 1945 - At the Carnegie Library, Fratton Road, the Portsmouth recorded Music Society present a classical programme. A waltz contest at the Co-op Hall Fratton Road with the Savoy Rhythmic Band.
May 5th 1945 - At Cowplain Social Club, Frank Stocker's Band, plus Brenda and her Xylophone.
May 7th 1945 - Odeon Ballroom, Cosham(formerly the Ambassador Ballroom) dancing to Alan Green's Band with 'Tony'.
May 8th 1945 - Last day of the war celebrated at the Empress Ballroom by over 1000 people.
May 11th 1945 - Waltz contest at the Co-op Café Fratton Road with the Savoy Rhythmic Band.
May 12th 1945 - Portsmouth unit of the ATC hold a dance at their Goldsmith Avenue HQ with the Melody Makers.
May 13th 1945 - Billy Ternant and his band at the South Parade Pier.
May 17th 1945 - At the Cosham Baptist Hall the Airspeed Choir and Choral Society give a performance in aid of the church building fund. The conductor was Mr. B. Bennett.
May 20th 1945 - Eric Winstone and his Full Orchestra appear at the South Parade Pier.
May 22nd 1945 - At the Tramway Hall in Stubbington Avenue, the 'Tramway Girls' give a concert in aid of the Merchant Navy.
May 23rd 1945 - Melody Makers at the Odeon Ballroom Cosham.
May 24th 1945 - Reports of the death of Reginald Renison in the 'hands of the Japanese', he is a well known Portsmouth pianist and organist. Alan Green's band at the Odeon Cosham.
May 30th 1945 - Dancing at the Co-op Hall Fratton Road to Eric Madison 's Band
June 3rd 1945 - Oscar Rabin and his Band appear at the South Parade Pier.
June 4th 1945 - Dancing to Alf Hallman's Knights at Milton Church Hall.
June 5th 1945 - At the Transport Hall in Stubbington Avenue, the Empress victory Club from Airspeed hold a reunion, with music from Harry Sutton's "Musicmasters" Band.
June 9th 1945 - At the ATC HQ in Goldsmith Avenue, The Melody Makers play for dancing.
June 10th 1945 - Maurice Winnick's Dorchester Follies Dance Orchestra at the South Parade Pier.
June 11th 1945 - At the South Parade Pier, an 'outspoken play', by the Court Players, The Dominant Sex.
June 20th 1945 - 30 wounded soldiers from Alexandra hospital were entertained to tea at Langstone School and the EEM Dockyard Concert Party. The Portsmouth Glee Club perform at the Central Hall Fratton Road a programme including, a selection of Gounod's Faust and others.
June 23rd 1945 - Saturday, Cowplain Boys Club concert at the Deverall Hall Purbrook with Madame Cannaways Juveniles.
June 25th 1945 - Alf Hallman's Knights play for dancing at Milton Church Hall.
June 26th 1945 - Ministry of Information Film Show at the Havant Town Hall, films include 'USA' and 'Some like it rough'.
June 27th 1945 - Concert by the Florence Greaves Singers at the London Road Baptist Church in aid of the British Limbless ex-Servicemen's Association.
June 29th 1945 - At the Carnegie Library, the Portsmouth recorded music Society present, Beethoven, Haydn, Berlioz and Richard Strauss. The Odeon Café Restaurant at the Ambassador Theatre Cosham for tea and light refreshments.
June 30th 1945 - Saturday.The Savoy Orpheans Concert Party at the Angerstein Hall in aid of the British Limbless ex-Servicemen's Association. At the Coliseum, Wilson Kepple and Betty and others.
July 1st - Skyrockets Dance Orchestra at the South Parade Pier. Vocal, Pianoforte, and oboe music was given at the Southsea Music Club
July 8th 1945 - Harry Parry and his Full Radio dance Orchestra at the South Parade Pier.
July 15th 1945 - Jack Payne and his Orchestra play for dancing.
July 18th 1945 - At St Peter's Church, Southsea, the Portsmouth Choral Union present a recital of Bach and Brahms.
July 22nd 1945 - Jack Jackson and his Band on South Parade Pier.
July 23rd 1945 - Nat Gonella and his Georgians with Helen Mack and Alfred Proctor appear at the Court Royal Hotel Southampton.
July 25th 1945 - At the Wesley Central Hall Fratton Road The Portsmouth Choral Society give a 'brilliant' performance.
July 29th 1945 - Felix Mendelssohn and his Hawaiian Serenaders at South Parade Pier.
July 30th 1945 - Lupino Lane in Me and my Gal at the Kings Theatre.
July 31st 1945 - At Lyndhurst Road School, the Elmwood Social Club hold a dance with music from the Elmwood Clubsters Dance Band.
August 4th 1945 - Southsea girl miss Jessica Lee Long is awarded a citation for exceptional meritorious service while serving as a member of the USO Camp shows, sometimes while under contant fire.
August 5th 1945 - George Elrick and his Band appear at the South Parade Pier.
August 6th 1945 - Bill Cole and his Clubmen are winners at the 1945 Metropolitan Swing Band Championships. Harry Whitehead vocalist, late of Bertini's Broadcasting Band appears at St Patrick's Hall Winter Road. Melody Makers at the Oddfellows Hall.
August 11th 1945 - Melody Makers play at the ATC HQ in Goldsmith Avenue. At the Coliseum, Gloria Gaye and her all Ladies Band.
August 12th 1945 - Nat Gonella and his New Georgians at the South Parade Pier.
August 19th 1945 - Eric Winstone and his Full Broadcast Orchestra at the South Parade Pier.
August 26th 1945 - Saddlers Wells Ballet at the Kings Theatre. Big Bill Campbell and his Rocky Mountain Rhythm are at the South Parade Pier, featuring, The Ranch Girls, and the Three Mounties.
August 27th 1945 - Steffani and his 30 Silver Songsters appear at the Coliseum. At the South Parade Pier, the popular summer season show, "After dinner", with George Doonan, Jimmy Edwards and others.
August 29th 1945 - VJ parties are held throughout the City. 400 children were entertained at the Lake Road British Restaurant and 25 wounded ex-servicemen were guests of honour. Entertainment was provided by the "Paulsgrove Atoms"
September 2nd 1945 - Harry Parry and his Orchestra at the South Parade Pier.
September 5th 1945 - The "High Spots" Concert Party entertain at the SJAB Exhibition Drill Hall in Hampshire Terrace. Alf Hallman and his band at the Odeon Ballroom, Cosham. A Victory Civic Garden Party with 500 guests is held at St James Hospital with music from the Southampton Police Band provided the music.
September 6th 1945 - Ad in the Evening News;- Mrs Rogers invites patrons old and new to an invitation matinee dance at the Unity Hall at 2-30pm.
September 7th 1945- The "Casuals" concert party entertain at the SJAB Exhibition Drill Hall in Hampshire Terrace.
September 8th 1945 - The Police Concert Party and choir entertain at the SJAB Exhibition Drill Hall in Hampshire Terrace.
September 9th 1945 - The Royal Air Force Squadronaires at the South Parade Pier. The WVS Garden Fete is held at "Beechlands" Bedhampton Hill with music from The Royal Naval Band.
September 12th 1945 - The BBC's "Write a tune for £2,000." An entry and new composition by Portsmouth War reserve police constable Reginald Perrin was broadcast.
September 14th 1945 - Swingcopators at the Co-operative Hall Garnier Street for a 'Grand Dance'
September 15th 1945 - The Portsmouth Recorded Music Society meeting at the Carnegie Library present new recordings of Beethoven. At a combined VJ party at the Free Church hall in Sixth Avenue, Mrs Faro played the piano accordion, accompanied by Mrs Wake at the piano. Vice Admiral M L Clarke held a garden party at his residence in the HM Dockyard with music from the band of the RN Barracks. Randolph Sutton at the Coliseum.
September 16th 1945 - Oscar Rabin and his Band at South Parade Pier.
September 18th 1945 - After a six months tour in Italy, Arthur Rowberry and his band return home and will fulfil an engagement at the Empress Rooms.
September 20th 1945 - Ad in the Evening News, Bill May, trumpet, available Thursday and Friday evenings, 72, Locksway Road, Milton.
September 22nd 1945 - Bill Cole and his Clubmen have gained third place in a dance band contest at the Hammersmith Palais de dance in London. Individual awards were gained by Bill Cole piano, Nelson Peters bass, George Good drums.
September 23rd 1945 - Nat Gonella and his Georgians at the South Parade Pier. The Southsea Music Club give a programme of pianoforte duets and vocal music. A VJ party held for children in Bedhampton Road with local children and 12 children from the cottage homes at Cosham, Madame Cannaway and her troup provided the entertainment.
September 24th 1945 - Matron and nurses from the Royal Hospital were entertained at the Royal Beach Hotel by local artistes and Jimmy Harris and his band. For one week only Arthur Rowberry and his Radio Dance Band at the Empress Ballroom Stubbington Avenue North End.
September 25th 1945 - The National Fire Service Dance Band play at a Victory Ball at the Tudor Crescent Drill Hall Cosham, organised by the East Cosham Victory Committee.
September 26th 1945 - The St Simon's Symphony Orchestra give a recital at St Simon's Church.
September 28th 1945 - Ad in the Evening News, by David Channon and his Orchestra looking for work.
September 30th 1945 - Phil Green and his Band play at the South Parade Pier. Jacques String Orchestra at the Kings Theatre.
October 1st 1945 - The Portsmouth Radical Club 314 Fratton Road, advertise in the Evening News for Adult Concert Parties.
October 2nd 1945 - The National Fire Service Dance Band play at the Connaught Drill Hall Gosport as part of Gosport's Thanksgiving Week.
October 3rd 1945 Portsmouth Society of Yorkshiremen hold social gathering at the Royal Beach Hotel with music for dancing by Mrs. Crooks Band.
October 6th 1945 - At the Wesley Central Hall "Grand Saturday Serenade Concert" by the St Simon's Orchestra and the Airspeed Choir.
October 7th 1945 - Gosport Orchestral Society Concert with songs from Florence Greaves and Donald Cox. Eric Winstone and his full Broadcasting Orchestra Band appear at the South Parade Pier. A programme of madrigals was given at the Portsmouth Music Club by the St Cecilia Singers who are Joan Reynolds, Dorothy Wassell, John Ellison and Reginald Wassell.
October 8th 1945 - Cavan O'Connor 'Only a strolling vagabond' appears at the Coliseum Theatre.
October 9th 1945 - At the Tramways Hall, Stubbington Avenue, the Shop Assistant's dance and stage show.
October 11th 1945 - The Florence Greaves singers and the Stringer Trio perform at the Angerstein Hall.
October 13th 1945 - St Joseph's Social Club at Copnor re-start after the war with a social and music from the Alma Dance Orchestra.
October 14th 1945 - The Southern Philharmonic Orchestra appear at the Kings Theatre. Carl Barriteau and his Orchestra appear at the South Parade Pier. At the Masonic Hall in Cosham, Edythe Harrington and her Entertainers give a concert in aid of funds for the Goodwyns Boys Club, Cosham.
October 19th 1945 - The Cosham General Efforts Association held a ball at the Tudor Crescent Drill Hall with music from the RAF Thorney Island Dance Orchestra.
October 21st 1945 - Troise and his Mandoliers appear at the South Parade Pier
October 22nd 1945 - At the Kings Theatre for the two weeks, the Carlos Rosa Opera will perform a selection of Popular operas.
October 24th 1945 - The Portsmouth Choral and Orchestral Society present an appearance of world famous violinist Max Rostal at the Central Hall, Fratton Road.
November 1st 1945 - At the South Parade Pier, Oscar Rabin's band play at a Portsmouth and district Licensed Victualler Benevolent Ball.
November 3rd 1945 - At the Angerstein Hall, Search for Talent Competition.
November 5th 1945 - A new venue opens at Cosham, The Kit Kat, (adjoining the Trades Hall) with dancing Monday to Saturday with Brian's Gaiety Club Band.
November 7th 1945 - Erskine Motors have their Victory Carnival Ball at Lee Tower, with music from Bert Osborn's Full Broadcasting Band. The Northern Music Club is formed in Portsmouth to produce a light orchestra of at lease 25 members, as well as a rhythm section and an accordion band, secretary Mr. R. Perkins, 30 Fearon Road.
November 10th 1945 - The Melody Makers appear at the Angerstein Hall for the St George's Athletic FC Dance.
November 11th 1945 - The Accordion Club meets at the Tramways Hall.
November 12th 1945 - Oscar Rabin and his Band at the South Parade Pier. Hetty King appears at the Coliseum.
November 14th 1945 - The Portsmouth Glee Club perform "Elijah" at the Wesley Central Hall Fratton Road, "a perfection"!.
November 15th 1945 - Alf Hallman and his Band at the Co-op Hall Garnier Street. At the Cosham Masonic Hall, music from Costabadle and his Tone and Rhythm Band.
November 17th 1945 - At the Angerstein hall, dancing to Melodians Dance band for the EEM Sports Club dance.
November 19th 1945 - Phil Green and his band at the South Parade Pier. Harold Ramsey and his Electric Organ at the Coliseum.
November 29th 1945 - A Grand Ball and Caberet at the South Parade Pier, dancing to the Augmented Orchestra of Wally Fry. Dancing nightly at the Kit Kat Dance Saloon, Cosham.
November 30th 1945 - Hilsea Lido Ballroom dancing each evening to The Melody Makers. Ad in the Evening News;- Dance pianist, Dick Whichello, late Empress Ballroom available for gigs 90, Ebery Grove, Copnor.
December 1st 1945 - Ad in the Evening News;- Owing to the closing of the Co-operative Hall, dances will be held at Unity Hall on Mondays, and the Tramway and Electricity Hall North End on Tuesday.
December 3rd 1945 - Eric Winstone and his Famous Broadcasting band at the South Parade Pier. David Channon and his All Star Quintette play at the St James' Hall Milton.
December 6th 1945 - Wally Fry and his Collegians play for the Lord Mayor's Victory Ball at South Parade Pier.
December 10th 1945 - Felix Mendelsshon and his Hawaiian Serenades at the South Parade Pier. David Channon, his electric guitar and his Orchestra at the St James Hall, Milton. Ad in the Evening News;- Portsmouth Radio Relay Service suppliers of first class wireless to the public.
December 12th 1945 - Old Thyme Dance every Wednesday at the Garden Club, Portsdown Road, Drayton. Cosham Division of the City Police hold a dance at Cosham Masonic Hall with music from the City Police Band.
December 13th 1945 - Leetham Twilfit, the Portsmouth Corset makers, have a dance at the South Parade Pier with music from Wally Fry and his Collegians and also the Police Band. More than 1000 attended.
December 15th 1945 - The Portsmouth Music Club at 73a Victoria Road South present a programme including the Moonlight Sonata.
December 16th 1945 - The Portsmouth Choral Union sing Carols and Christmas music at the Coliseum Theatre.
December 17th 1945 - The Skyrockets Dance Orchestra directed by Paul Fenoulhet at the South Parade Pier was firstly advertised, and then later The Squadronairs Dance Orchestra. Ad in the Evening News;- Dance band any size, 10 Kenyon Road North End.
December 19th 1945 - A festival of Carols at St Mary's Church Portsmouth in aid of the Lord mayor's charities.
December 20th 1945 - Ad in the Evening News;- Pro tenor Clarinet available Ex London, Wilkens, 87 Simpson Road.
December 21st 1945 - 400 children at Victory Party at the Oddfellows Hall with entertainment from Miss Irene White's Juvenile Entertainers.
December 24th 1945 - Three bands on the South Parade Pier, Barry Wicks and his 'Navy Blues', Wally Fry and his Collegians and Bill Cole and his Clubmen. Ad in the Evening News. The Merry Macs Dance Band available, J Bailey 175 Avery Lane Brockhurst.
December 26th 1945 - Three bands on the South Parade Pier, Barry Wicks and his 'Navy Blues', Wally Fry and his Collegians and Bill Cole and his Clubmen.
December 27th 1945 - Damage to the Pier under structure has meant transferring evening dance from the minor hall to the pavilion. The Police Ball on January 10th is postponed until March.
December 29th 1945 - The Drayton and Farlington Conservative Association Ball at the Municipal Restaurant in Drayton and music from the National Fire Service Band.
December 31st 1945 - Jack Leon and his Famous Radio Dance Band at South Parade Pier.
NOTE: This is an edited version of Mick Cooper's research. The full version can be found at Mick Cooper's website