January 1st 1947 - At South parade Pier, Henry Hall and his Orchestra, on behalf of the Portsmouth Council of Boys Clubs. Jimmy Harris and his Broadcasting band play nightly, Mon to Sat plus Wed and Sat matinees, at the Oddfellows Hall. At the Savoy Ballroom, opposite the Criterion Gosport, Littlewoods staff present a dance to the Savoy Orchestra where there is dancing to this orchestra Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Hal Swain and his Swing Sisters at the Empress Ballroom North End. At the Conservative Club Fratton Road Costabadle's Tone and Rhythm Band have music for dancing
January 3rd 1947 - Spence Brown and his Orchestra at the Drill Hall Tudor Crescent Cosham. At the South Parade Pier, Dancing to two bands, Wally Fry and his Collegians, and Graham Leslie and his band. At St Josephs' Hall Copnor, Cyril Rice and his band play for dancing. At St Patrick's Hall Winter Road, The Paramount Dance band play every Friday.
January 6th 1947 - At the Coliseum, Panto with Babes in the Wood.
January 8th 1947 - The George Evans Orchestra with "Britain's No1 Vocalist" Benny Lee for the Portsmouth NURC Benevolent Fund, at the South Parade Pier. Wally Gresham and his dance band at the Odeon Ballroom Cosham.
January 9th 1947 - At St Joseph's Hall Copnor, the Portsmouth Cymrodorion Society dance with music from Nancarrow's Band.
January 10th 1947 - At the Cosham Civic Centre Hall, Bill Cole and his Clubmen play for R K Dundas Social and Welfare Club. The Electricity Club, Dovercourt Road, Cosham, dancing every Friday to the Melody Makers Dance band.
January 11th 1947 - The International Staff band of the Salvation Army play at the Wesley Central hall in Fratton Road.
January 18th 1947 - Ad in the Evening News;- Bill Cole and his Clubmen are back in Portsmouth and open for engagements, 22 Tredegar Road, Southsea. Nancarrow's band play at Cosham Civic Centre for the PUA !
January 25th 1947 - At Kimbells, Victor Sylvester presents the BBC dancing Club Championships. At the Royal Marines Theatre Eastney, Mr. Stan Lewis' 'Odds and Ends' Concert Party made the 15th visit, and their 1,700 performance since their formation in 1940.
January 29th 1947 - At the Garrison church hall, Hilsea, the Legionaires band play for dancing. The Portsmouth Aviation Sports Association have a party for 200 children at St Joseph's hall Copnor, with music from Cyril Rice's Band and Madame Cannaways Troup.
January 31st 1947 - Nancarrow's Band play at the Co-operative Hall Fratton Road.
February 3rd 1947 - Nancarrow's Band at the co-operative Hall Fratton Road.
February 4th 1947 - Ad in the Evening News;- Guitarist requires engagements, good reader, P J Durand, 6 Gatcombe Ave, Portsmouth.
February 5th 1947 - Oscar Rabin and his Band at South Parade Pier. At St Mary's Church Portsmouth, the Southsea Orchestral Society present the Fareham Ladies Choir and a concert of light classical music.
February 6th 1947 - Dancing every Wednesday and Saturday to Stan Matthews and his Band at Wellington Hall, Portsmouth. Save the children fund Ball at Kimbells Cafe Southsea, with the Kimbells Orchestra
February 11th 1947 - At the Wesley Central Hall Fratton Road the Portsmouth area finals of the Carroll Levis Search for Stars.
February 17th 1947 - Desert Song at the Kings Theatre. "Go as you please" competition at the Embassy Ballroom if you can dance sing whistle or cook. Black and White Concert Party at Cosham Civic Centre
February 19th 1947 - Harry Davidson and his Broadcasting Orchestra play at South Parade Pier.
February 21st 1947 - Kimbells Corner House in Commercial Road has re-opened after extensive re-decoration and is available to book functions. PUA Dance at Cosham Civic Centre with Nancarrow's Dance Orchestra.
February 22nd 1947 - At the Wesley Central Hall, Cyril Rice's Band, an Accordion Showband and 19 other artistes entertain.
February 24th 1947 - Cavan O'Connor at the Coliseum.
February 28th 1947 - Kingston Ballroom (Oddfellows) re-opens with Jimmy Harris and his Broadcasting Band and vocalist Terry Devon and Portsmouth's own vocalist late of the Coconut Grove, Pat O'Regan.
February 29th 1947 - At the Electricity Club, Dovercourt Road music every Saturday from Ken Alexandra and his Band.
March 3rd 1947 - Elsie and Doris Waters at the Coliseum. Ad in the Evening News;- Book the Shute Trio for your annual Dinner, dance orchestra also available, enquiries 108 Oriel Road North End.
March 5th 1947 - Portsmouth City Police Ball at the South Parade pier with Ted Heath and his Music
March 10th 1947 - At the Co-operative Hall, Fratton, music from Nancarrows band.
March 12th 1947 - The Portsmouth Trades Council Annual ball at South Parade Pier, with, Jimmie Harris and his Broadcasting Orchestra, Wally Fry and his Collegians, Brian and Golden Melody Band, David Channon and his Orchestra, tickets 5/-d.
March 14th 1947 - At the Victory Hall Fratton Road, Nancarrow's No 1 Dance Orchestra play for the United Society of Boilermakers Portsmouth No2. In the Evening News, Benny Davis's Band advertise for work.
March 15th 1947 - Saturday, at the Central Hall Fratton a Beethoven programme with a full Symphony Orchestra and singers. At the Conservative hall Fratton Road, dancing to C. Cross and his All Star Swingtime Band. In the Evening News, The Commanders dance band advertise for work.
March 16th 1947 - Musicians Union meeting at the Tramways Hall.
March 17th 1947 - At the Kings Theatre, Ronald Shiner stars in Worm's Eye View.
March 18th 1947 - Roy Allan and his band advertise in the Evening News for work.
March 19th 1947 - Portsmouth Drapers association Charity dance at South Parade Pier Southsea with Nancarrow's Augmented String Orchestra.
March 22nd 1947 - At the Conservative Hall Fratton Road, C. Cross and his All Star Swingtime Band play for dancing.
March 24th 1947 - Clarkson Rose at the Coliseum.
March 26th 1947 - Victor Silvester and his Orchestra play at the South Parade Pier.
March 30th 1947 - At the Kings Theatre, The Southern Philharmonic Orchestra with Maurice Cole, pianoforte.
April 1st 1947 - Jimmy Harris and his band at the Oddfellows Hall on a BBC broadcast.
April 3rd 1947 - At the Kingston Ballroom, Dick James, late of Geraldos Orchestra plus Jimmy Harris and his Broadcasting Band.
April 4th 1947 - At the Coliseum, The Portsmouth Choral Union present "Messiah" with full chorus and orchestra.
April 5th 1947 - At the South Parade Pier, Joe Loss and his Orchestra
April 7th 1947 - At the South Parade Pier, Roy Fox and his Band
April 10th 1947 - At the Embassy, Harry Roy's Tiger Ragamuffins plus cabaret by the Pompeydours!
April 13th 1947 - Eric Winstone and his Orchestra at the South Parade Pier.
April 14th 1947 - At Cosham Civic Centre, an Ordnance Dance with Betty Hammond's Orchestra.
April 16th 1947 - At the Kingston Ballroom, vocalist Sally Douglas, late of Geraldo and his Orchestra, appears with Jimmy Harris and his Broadcasting Band.
April 18th 1947 - At the Waterloo Hall Waterlooville, Leonard Leslie's Band play for dancing.
April 19th 1947 - Youth Club Concert at the Ascension Hall Chichester Road with music from Vic Troise and his Music.
April 20th 1947 - Lou Preager and his Orchestra play at the South Parade Pier.
April 21st 1947 - At the Empress, the Royal Minuet is played, especially written for Princess Elizabeth's 21st birthday, and demonstrated.
April 25th 1947 - Graham Leslie's Band at the Hilsea Lido for J Evens Social Club.
April 27th 1947 - Primo Scala and his Accordion band at the South Parade Pier.
April 28th 1947 - The Metropolitan Ballet perform at the Kings Theatre. Sandy Powell at the Coliseum. Jack Lennox and the Boys, are to play every Monday at the Embassy Ballroom.
May 2nd 1947 - The Embassy hold a 'Lady in red' competition. At the Victory Hall Fratton Road, Nancarrow's Band play music for the Boilermaker's Dance.
May 4th 1947 - Oscar Rabin at the South Parade Pier.
May 5th 1947 - At Kimbells Osborne Road 10 bands play at Portsmouth Musicians Union Grand Dance Band parade. Max Miller at the Coliseum.
May 8th 1947 - Max Miller re-opens Phillips the Furnishers in Commercial Road.
May 9th 1947 - At All Saints Hall, the Northern Variety Orchestra director Irvin Millen give a concert.
May 10th 1947 - The Albert Sandler Trio appear at the Central Hall Fratton Road for the Portsmouth Glee Club.
May 11th 1947 - At the Coliseum, the Portsmouth Choral Union Grand orchestral and choral concert, full chorus and orchestra with Isobel Baillie and Nellie Fulcher violin, conductor Bertram Bradshaw. At the South Parade Pier, Charles Shadwell and his Orchestra. At the Coliseum, Al Podesta and his Accordion Band.
May 12th 1947 - At the Kings Theatre, Sadlers Wells Opera. Block ad in the Evening News, Jimmy Harris is now taking pupils for pianoforte theory, Riverton, 7 Cavendish Road Southsea.
May 14th 1947 - Cinema Ball at Kimbells Osborne Road arranged by cinema managers.
May 15th 1947 - The Co-operative Dairy Dept present an Olde time dance at the Co-operative Hall, Fratton Road with Arthur Steele and his Band. At the South Parade Pier, Wally Fry and his Nine Piece collegians, play each night.
May 16th 1947 - final appearance of the Tiger Ragamuffins at the Embassy. At the Angerstein Hall, last night of the Pompeydours Concert Party, Bunny Gordon and Nesta to an audience of nearly 400 people, for the Bishop of Portsmouth's appeal.
May 17th 1947 - At the Embassy Harry Roy presents his new swing sextette, The Red Rockets, plus The Tiger Ragamuffins. Carl Barriteau and his Orchestra at the South Parade Pier. Harry Roy and his Tiger Ragamuffins appear at the Troxy Cinema, plus usual programme. At the Civic Centre Cosham, Betty Hammond and her Orchestra play for dancing. Ad in the Evening News;- Douglas Gower saxophonist now available for work, 55 Tennyson Road, 74988.
May 18th 1947 - At the Embassy, Harry Roy presents his new swing sensation, the Red Rockets.
May 23rd 1947 - At the Victory Hall Fratton road, the DeReske Band play for the Old Contemptibles Wives Old Time dance.
May 24th 1947 - At Cosham Civic Centre, Peter Cochrane and his Band play for a Grand Empire Day Ball for Cosham Conservative Association.
May 25th 1947 - Skyrockets Dance Orchestra appear at the South Parade Pier.
May 26th 1947 - At the Northern Grammar School Mayfield Road, a Municipal concert with the Halle Orchestra conducted by Barbarolli. Betty Hammond and her Orchestra play at the Electricity Club, Dovercourt Road.
May 28th 1947 - At St Mary's Institute, The Savoy Rythmics, late of the Savoy Cafe, play for dancing.
May 30th 1947 - The De Reske Band play at the Co-operative Hall Fratton Road for the OCA Social Club.
May 31st 1947 - Saturday, At St Mary's Institute, The Savoy Rythmics, late of the Savoy Cafe, play for dancing.
June 1st 1947 - Leslie Douglas and his Orchestra at the South Parade Pier. The Royal Marine Band play on the Bandstand at Southsea Common.
June 2nd 1947 - At the Kings Theatre, Pygmalion stars Alec Clunes, Mervyn John and Brenda Bruce.
June 4th 1947 - Ad in the Evening News;- Sound Entertainments, (L C Isted and I F Jarnet), sole booking agents for The Blue Comets Dance Orchestra, Quiver the eccentric dances and many well-known local artistes plus mobile sound units for fetes. Ad in the Evening News;- The Commanders Dance band, string trio for dinner, own transport and amplification 124 Tangier Road, Portsmouth 5290.
June 7th 1947 - Leonard Leslie's Band appear at the Cosham Civic Centre.
June 8th 1947 - Ted Heath and his Band appear at the South Parade Pier. The Bluejackets Band play at the Southsea Common bandstand.
June 9th 1947 - Charlie Kunz at the Kings Theatre.
June 13th 1947 - Bill Cole's Quartet at the Victory Hall Fratton Road.
June 16th 1947 - At the Coliseum, Naughty Girls of 1947.
June 15th 1947 - Blue Rockets dance Orchestra at the South Parade Pier.
June 19th 1947 - Ad in the Evening News;- Trumpet and drums require for pit orchestra South Parade Pier, a 6gns per week.
June 22nd 1947 - At the 500 seat bandstand enclosure Southsea Common, the National Fire Service At the South Parade Pier Teddy Foster and his All Star Orchestra. Band of 30 instrumentalist, Bandmaster Coy Officer E E Johnson.
June 24th 1947 - The Pompeydours Concert Party gave 22 shows travelled 614 miles and collected 582 for the Bishop of Portsmouth's appeal.
June 27th 1947 - Leonard Leslie at Cosham Civic Centre. Bill Cole's Quartet at the Victory Hall Fratton Road.
June 28th 1947 - Ad in the Evening News;- Engage the Legionnaires for your dance, 21 Talbot Road, Southsea.
June 29th 1947 - Felix Mendelsshon and his Hawaiian Serenaders at South Parade Pier.
June 30th 1947 - At the Kings Theatre, Cyril Fletcher and Betty Astell in "Thanking Yew". Savoy Rhythmics play at Cosham Civic Centre. The Tom Katz saxophone six at the Coliseum.
July 1st 1947 - At the Embassy Harry Roy's Red Rockets feature well known pianists Jack Lennox and Arthur Stafford and trumpeter Jack Guard. The ballroom manager is F Clark. Ad in the Evening News;- Bassist pro requires work, Costin 89 Strode Road Stamshaw. The Stuart String Players play for the Music Club at Southsea.
July 5th 1947 - Saturday, Grand Celebrity Concert at the Wesley Central Hall.
July 6th 1947 - Nat Gonella and his Georgians at South Parade Pier. At the Bandstand Enclosure Southsea Common on the new open air dance floor, Cyril Rice and his Accordion Band play.
July 7th 1947 - At the Bandstand Enclosure Southsea Common on the new open air dance floor, John Wilkins and his Roller Rhythmics play for 'skating'. The 'Showtime' season begins again at the South Parade Pier. Doyle Carte Opera Company at the Kings Theatre with assorted Gilbert and Sullivan operas.
July 8th 1947 - Savoy Rhythmics play at Cosham Civic Centre.
July 9th 1947 - Ad in the Evening News;- Eddie Nash and his Commanders Dance band 5 to 8 piece available, 124 Tangier Road, Portsmouth, tele 5290
July 13th 1947 - Ivy Benson and her all Girl Band at South Parade Pier.
July 21st 1947 - Ralph Reader presents 'Wings' the story of the RAF at the Kings Theatre.
July 27th 1947 - At the South Parade Pier, Leslie Douglas and his Orchestra with Pearl Carr, Sammy Herman and the Skymasters.
August 1st 1947 - The Savoy Ballroom re-opens with Nat Gonella and his Georgians with Hal Vincent plus Tito Burns and his Accordion Club with Ray Ellington and Terry Ann Foster.
August 3rd 1947 - Primo Scarla and his Accordion band at South Parade Pier.
August 4th 1947 - Laurel and Hardy at the Kings Theatre.
August 10th 1947 - Felix Mendelssohn and his Hawaiian Serenaders at the South Parade Pier.
August 11th 1947 - The Coliseum stage a musical play, Me and my girl, their first one in 50 years.
August 12th 1947 - The Savoy Rhythmics playing Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday at Cosham Civic Centre.
August 16th 1947 - Ad in the Evening News;- The Carteret Dance Orchestra for the latest in swing, 90 Ebury Grove, Copnor.
August 17th 1947 - Ted Heath and his Music at South Parade Pier.
August 24th 1947 - Blue Rockets Dance Orchestra directed by Benny Daniels at the South Parade Pier.
August 29th 1947 - Ad in the Evening News;- The Mirthquakes variety Company, in Variety Unlimited available for dinners, cabaret etc. 37 Kenyon Road top flat.
August 30th 1947 - Grand farewell night at the Savoy Ballroom to Nat Gonella and Tito Burns.
August 31st 1947 - Sky Rockets Dance Orchestra at the South Parade Pier.
September 1st 1947 - At the Savoy Ballroom Tommy Sampson and his 18 piece Orchestra now in residency.
September 2nd 1947 - The variety show at the Coliseum includes Portsmouth girl Paula Crook making a successful first appearance.
September 5th 1947 - At the Savoy Restaurant and Cafe the Arthur Read Quintet play afternoons and evenings.
September 7th 1947 - The season of Municipal concerts restart at the Kings Theatre with The Southern Philharmonic Orchestra and Louis Kentner at the pianoforte. Carl Barriteau and his Orchestra at the South Parade Pier.
September 8th 1947 - At the Coliseum, Soldiers in skirts, an all ex-service men's cast.
September 9th 1947 - At the Embassy Ballroom, Southsea's Palais de Danse, music by Jack Lennox and the Boys!
September 11th 1947 - Locals Charles Ellis and Maureen Canavan were one of four couples selected at Kimbells Osborne Road, for future competitions.
September 13th 1947 - Former Portsmouth Actress Daisy Dormer and music hall star of 30 years ago, dies at her home in Clapham. Born in Hampston Street, she was the daughter of Mrs M A O'Connor of Stansted Road, Southsea, who died recently.
September 14th 1947 - At the South Parade Pier George (Herr)Crow and his Blue Mariners Dance Orchestra.
September 19th 1947 - The Emperess Ballroom available for private hire form October 1st, apply to the Co-op 110 Fratton Road.
September 20th 1947 - Eddie Edwards and his Music with Carl Lloyd, Dannie Craigie, Don Campbell, Bob Colborn, Georgie Harrison, Al Toke, Jack Randall, Terrie De Costa, Jack Tate, etc.
September 21st 1947 - Sid Millward and Wally Stewart and their Original Orchestra, at the South Parade Pier. The Arthur Read Quintette play afternoons and evenings at the Savoy Ballroom on Sundays.
September 23rd 1947 - Ad in the Evening News;- The Savoy Rhythmics have vacant dates, apply to 128 Bath Road.
September 27th 1947 - The Empress Ballroom re-opens with two bands, Eddie Nash and his Commanders plus the newly Augmented Empress Ballroom Orchestra with Portsmouth's own vocalist Jean Goulden. Eddie Nash and his Commanders Band at the Angerstein Hall. Ad in the Evening News;- Violin, Cello and piano trio available, Leonard Wilson 137 Laburnum Grove.
September 28th 1947 - Oscar Rabin and his Band at South Parade Pier.
September 30th 1947 - Bill Cole and his Clubmen are in the South Britain Area Finals at Hammersmith Palais. Coach trip arranged by Alex J Poore 23 Tredegar Road Southsea. They are the first Portsmouth band eligible to appear in the all-Britain finals at Belle Vue Manchester on October 19th.
October 1st 1947 - Portsmouth born Pat O'Regan Britain's No1 Vocalist from the Dorchester and the BBC, will appear at the Empress on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Ad in the Evening News;- Fred Pervinn and his London 16 piece Recording Dance Band available, apply 109 Twyford Ave, Portsmouth.
October 4th 1947 - Saturday, Bill Cole and his Clubmen, winners of the Melody Maker 1947 South Coast Championship, play at the South Parade Pier. Ad in the Evening News;- The Skyliners, swing as you like it, 90 Ebery Grove.
October 6th 1947 - Jimmy Jewel and Ben Warris appear at the Kings Theatre.
October 8th 1947 - Dancing at the Embassy to 'Harry's Boys resident Band'
October 11th 1947 - Saturday, At the Empress Ballroom, Evelyn Hardy, celebrated trumpeter, and her Ladies' Radio Band appear all week.
October 13th 1947 - Ad in the Evening News;- Johnny Lyne and his Music now available, 273 Arundel Street.
October 15th 1947 - At the Wesley Central Hall, Fratton Road, Cyril Rice and his National Savings Accordion Band appear.
October 16th 1947 - The Sunday Palais Club at the Embassy has re-opened.
October 18th 1947 - Saturday, Eddie Nash and his Commanders play every Tuesday at St Patricks Hall, Winter Road.
October 22nd 1947 - At the South Parade Pier Ronnie Munro and his Dance Orchestra.
November 1st 1947 - Ad in the Evening News;- Trumpeter requires gigs, Billy May, 43 St Pauls Square, tele 74103.
November 7th 1947 - Joe Loss and his Orchestra at the South Parade Pier.
November 8th 1947 - Saturday, At the Hilsea Lido, Alf Hallman and his band play for dancing.
November 10th 1947 - at the Savoy Ballroom, Harry Parry and his Sextet with Jean Bradbury, plus Allan Young and his Organtones every evening.
November 15th 1947 - PUA dance at Cosham Civic Centre with a programme of old favourites from Nancarrow's Dance Orchestra. The De Reske Band play for the Portsmouth North Labour Party Old Time Dance at the Angerstein Hall.
November 16th 1947 - David Channon and his correct dance tempo Orchestra plan at the Embassy ballroom.
November 17th 1947 - Local boy, Little Bobby Collins sings at the Coliseum and met with a very favourable reception.
November 19th 1947 - Ad in the Evening News;- David Channon and his Strict Tempo String Orchestra advertise for work from 30, Parkstone Ave, Southsea.
November 21st 1947 - At the Victory Hall Fratton Road, music from the Vic Triose Orchestra.
November 29th 1947 - At the Angerstein hall, a "Daily Worker" novelty dance with Johnny Lyne and his All Star band, 'straight from the Troxy Cinema'. Eddie Nash and his Commanders at Cosham Civic Centre for a REME Association dance.
December 4th 1947 - Co-operative Hall Fratton has Nancarrow's Band playing for dancing. At the Savoy, Harry Parry and his Sextet with Jean Bradbury plus Allan Young and his Organtones. also a British Amateur dance teams competition between Savoy Portsmouth and Regent Brighton. Portsmouth have won 6 of the last 7 matches.
December 5th 1947 - Wally Fry and his Collegians at the South Parade Pier with Alf Hallman's Band on Friday and with Bill Cole's Clubmen on Saturday. PUA dance at Cosham Civic Centre with Nancarrow's Band. At St Peters Institute Somers Road, dancing to Billy Bennetts Band.
December 8th 1947 - At the Savoy Allan Young and his famous Organtones, plus Alan Green and his Savoy Band. Donald Peers at the Kings Theatre.
December 11th 1947 - Dance band Cavalcade at the Empress Ballroom for the Musicians Union Benevolent fund.
December 12th 1947 - At the Savoy, the New Orleans band play on the same night as Wally Fry and his Collegians. At the Victory Hall Fratton Road, Vic Troise and his Music for dancing. The Southsea Revellers Concert Party perform in concert in the dockyard.
December 15th 1947 - At the Cosham Civic Centre, the 'Silver Lining Discoveries' competition was won by Miss Mavis Neate (soprano) of Gosport.
December 17th 1947 - Victor Silvester and his Ballroom Orchestra play at the South Parade Pier for a Federation of Master Builders Grand Ball.
December 19th 1947 - Dancing to Johnny Lyne and his sensational new Dance band at the Embassy Ballroom, also on the 20th. At Cosham Masonic Hall, Harry Masters and his Band play for dancing for the Waterlooville Motor Cycle Club. At the Embassy over the Christmas holiday Johnny Lyne and his band plus Valerio and his accordions.
December 22nd 1947 - At the Coliseum, Babes in the Wood pantomime.
December 23rd 1947 - At Cosham Civic Centre, Harry Sutton's Band.
December 26th 1947 - Aladdin at the Kings Theatre for the next six weeks.
December 27th 1947 - Saturday, At the Hilsea Lido, Jack Jones and his Krakajax dance Orchestra play for dancing.
December 31st 1947 - At The Embassy Ballroom, Billy Forrest and his Radio Band. At the South Parade Pier, Wally Fry and his Collegians plus the New Orleans Band for a carnival dance. At the Empress Ballroom, Billy Norman and his electric guitar.
NOTE: This is an edited version of Mick Cooper's research. The full version can be found at Mick Cooper's website