January 1st 1957 - The Crackerjacks, led by Les Blackmore, give a concert at the Wesley Central Hall, Fratton Road, for 120 old folk. The Southern Counties Orchestra play at the Empress Ballroom. Ad in the Evening News, Ricky's Club (Fratton Hall) Tue, Wed, Sat, Sun, learn to dance, jive nights.
January 2nd 1957 - The Portsmouth Jazz Club meets at the Spread Eagle Arundel Street every Wednesday with 'Traditional, skiffle, recitals'. Roy Richards and his Mayfair Orchestra play at the Savoy Ballroom.
January 4th 1957 - Eric Delaney and his Band play at the Savoy Ballroom.
January 5th 1957 - At the South Parade Pier, Wally Fry and his Collegians plus Hector Davies Blue Star Players play for dancing.
January 6th 1957 - At the Essoldo Cinema, Kingston Road and the Victoria Cinema, the film is "Shake Rattle and Rock". At the Troxy, Fratton Road, "Love me tender" with Elvis Presley.
January 8th 1957 - The Southern Counties Orchestra play at the Empress Ballroom. Roy Richards and his Mayfair Orchestra play at the Savoy Ballroom.
January 11th 1957 - Cy Laurie and his Band play at the Savoy Ballroom.
January 12th 1957 - At the Empress Ballroom, Mick Mitchell and his band play with guests Eddie Forehead and his Rock'n'Rollers. At the South Parade Pier, Wally Fry and his Collegians plus Hector Davies Blue Star Players play for dancing.
January 15th 1957 - Eric Winstone and his Orchestra play at the Savoy Ballroom.
January 18th 1957 - Dr. Crock and his Crackpots play at the Savoy Ballroom. Stan Matthews and his Band play on South Parade Pier. Portsmouth Magistrates refuse to allow a Tommy Steele Rock'n'roll Concert at the Troxy Cinema.
January 19th 1957 - At the Empress Ballroom, Mick Mitchell and his band play with guests Eddie Forehead and his Rock'n'rollers. At the South Parade Pier, Wally Fry and his Collegians plus Hector Davies Blue Star Players play for dancing.
January 22nd 1957 - The Southern Counties Orchestra play at the Empress Ballroom.
January 24th 1957 - British Railways Staff Dance at the South Parade Pier with The Broadway Orchestra, and the Marinaires. A party for the blind at the Oddfellows Hall, Kingston Road, had entertainment from The Liddell Sisters with Bill Cole at the Piano.
January 25th 1957 - The Southern Counties Orchestra play at the Empress Ballroom.
January 26th 1957 - At the Empress Ballroom, Mick Mitchell and his band play with guests Eddie Forehead and his Rock'n'rollers. Ricky's Club start a regular Saturday jazz night with their resident 'traditional' quintet group. At the South Parade Pier, Wally Fry and his Collegians plus Hector Davies Blue Star Players play for dancing.
January 27th 1957 - Lonnie Donegan and his Skiffle Group were booked to play at the Empire Theatre together with The Liddell Sisters, and Eddie Forehead's Rock'n'rollers, but it was cancelled on 11th January, because a clause in the Empire Theatre License does not allow this type of show. It is transferred to the commodore Theatre Ryde.
January 28th 1957 - At the Gaumont, Portsmouth and Southsea, 'Don't knock the rock' with Bill Haley is shown. The Jazz Messengers play at Ricky's Club. The St Cecelia Singers, Joan Reynolds, Florence Brice, John Ellison and Reginald Wassell, give a concert at John Pounds Church, in the High Street which also includes John Durrant at the piano and Eric Barr violin.
January 29th 1957 - The Southern Counties Orchestra play at the Empress Ballroom.
January 31st 1957 - Pete Morton and his Modern Quartet play at Ricky's Club.
February 1st Ray 1957 - Ellington and his Quartet, with singer Marion Ryan, play at the Savoy Ballroom.
February 2nd 1957 - At the South Parade Pier, Wally Fry and his Collegians plus Hector Davies Blue Star Players play for dancing.
February 3rd 1957 - Polish pianist Smeterlin gives a Chopin recital at the Kings Theatre municipal concert.
February 4th 1957 - The Carl Rosa Opera Company perform a series of different operas this week. The resident traditional jazz band at Ricky's Club are Arthur Ward, Joe English and Bob Quinton (rhythm), Duggy Wheeler, Denn Putman, and Ken Bishop (front line).
February 5th 1957 - The Portsmouth Orpheus Choir broadcast on the Radio programme 'Let the people sing'. The Southern Counties Orchestra play at the Empress Ballroom.
February 8th 1957 - Chris Barber and his Jazz Band with Ottillie Patterson, play at the Savoy Ballroom.
February 9th 1957 - Music from Johnny Lyne, Chiz Bishop, Roy Nightingale, Ray Shepherd, and Sid Heyward at Ricky's Club. At South Parade Pier, Wally Fry and his Collegians plus Hector Davies Blue Star Players play for dancing. At the Empress Ballroom, Mick Mitchell and his band play with guests Eddie Forehead and his Rock'n'rollers.
February 11th 1957 - A Rock'n'roll and Be-Bop competition is held at the Empress Ballroom, with an appearance of 'The Skiffs'. The South of England Rock'n'roll Dance Championship won tonight by Albert Coates and Betty Giles. A special appearance of 'The Four Skiffs and the Skiffle' at the Savoy Ballroom.
February 12th 1957 - Roy Richards and his Mayfair Orchestra play at the Savoy Ballroom. The Southern Counties Orchestra play at the Empress Ballroom.
February 13th 1957 - Portsmouth Magistrates confirm the refusal of a license for dance music concerts at the Troxy Cinema.
February 14th 1957 - The Liddell Sisters sing at a Valentines Ball in Southsea.
February 15th 1957 - The Basil and Ivor Kirchin Band play at the Savoy Ballroom.
February 16th 1957 - Ted Neil's Band play at the Unity Hall. At the South Parade Pier, Wally Fry and his Collegians plus Hector Davies Blue Star Players play for dancing. At the Empress Ballroom, Mick Mitchell and his band play with guests Eddie Forehead and his Rock'n'rollers. The Portsmouth Young People's String Orchestra give a concert at the Wesley Central Hall
February 18th 1957 - The Jazz Messengers play at Ricky's Club.
February 19th 1957 - The Southern Counties Orchestra play at the Empress Ballroom. Roy Richards and his Mayfair Orchestra play at the Savoy Ballroom.
February 22nd 1957 - Freddy Randall and his Band play at the Savoy Ballroom.
February 23rd 1957 - At the Empress Ballroom, Mick Mitchell and his band play with guests Eddie Forehead and his Rock'n'rollers. At South Parade Pier, Wally Fry and his Collegians plus Hector Davies Blue Star Players play for dancing.
February 25th 1957 - Tony Crombie and his Rock & Roll Rockets, with Maxine Daniels and Don Fox appear at the Kings Theatre all week. Ivy Benson and her All Girls Band play at the Empire Theatre all week. John Pounds Church in the High Street is becoming a recognized centre for chamber music, after concerts presented by John Durrant and John Sturges. Artistes include Ernest Barr violin, John Durrant piano and John Watkins violin and viola.
February 26th 1957 - The Southern Counties Orchestra play at the Empress Ballroom.
March 1st 1957 - Laurie Gold and his Pieces of Eight play at the Savoy Ballroom.
March 2nd 1957 - The Portsmouth Philharmonic Society present a Mendelssohn Concert at the Wesley Central Hall, Fratton Road. Orchestra lead by Ernest Barr. At the Empress Ballroom, Mick Mitchell and his band play with guests Eddie Forehead and his Rock'n'rollers. At South Parade Pier, Wally Fry and his Collegians plus Hector Davies Blue Star Players play for dancing.
March 5th 1957 - The Southern Counties Orchestra play at the Empress Ballroom.
March 6th 1957 - Joe Loss and his Orchestra play on South Parade Pier. Portsmouth College of Technology Dramatic and Musical Society perform the 'Mikado' to a large and enthusiastic audience at the College Hall.
March 7th 1957 - The Southern Counties Orchestra and The Marinaires play on South Parade Pier at a British Railways Staff Dance. The Jazz Messengers play at Ricky's Club.
March 8th 1957 - Ted Heath and his Music play at the Savoy Ballroom.
March 9th 1957 - At the Empress Ballroom, Mick Mitchell and his band play with guests Eddie Forehead and his Rock'n'rollers. At the South Parade Pier, Wally Fry and his Collegians plus Hector Davies Blue Star Players play for dancing.
March 12th 1957 - The Southern Counties Orchestra play at the Empress Ballroom.
March 14th 1957 - The Jazz Messengers play at Ricky's Club. Roy Richards and his Orchestra play at the Savoy Ballroom.
March 15th 1957 - A 'Feast of Jazz' at the Savoy Ballroom with the McDevitt Skiffle Group and Gerry Brown's Jazzmen. Dancing at All Saint's Church Hall, Portsmouth, to the "Bostons" in their 'sixth' year!
March 16th 1957 - At the Empress Ballroom, Mick Mitchell and his band play with guests Eddie Formby and his Rock'n'rollers. At the South Parade Pier, Wally Fry and his Collegians plus Hector Davies Blue Star Players play for dancing.
March 18th 1957 - The film 'Rock pretty baby' is shown at the Odeons North end, Southsea and Cosham. At the Savoy Cinema, 'Rock Rock Rock'. Columbia singing star Tony Brent appears at the Empire Theatre.
March 19th 1957 - The Southern Counties Orchestra play at the Empress Ballroom. Roy Richards and his Mayfair Orchestra play at the Savoy Ballroom.
March 22nd 1957 - Ray Ellington and his Quartet, with Marion Ryan, play at the Savoy Ballroom.
March 23rd 1957 - At the South Parade Pier, Wally Fry and his Collegians plus Hector Davies Blue Star Players play for dancing.
March 24th 1957 - Muriel Smith, from the Royal Opera House, sings at the Kings Theatre with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra.
March 25th 1957 - At the Kings Theatre, "Disc Doubles of the world's top disc stars" doubles of Lanza, Presley, Torme, and Nat King Cole and more.
March 26th 1957 - The Southern Counties Orchestra play at the Empress Ballroom.
March 27th 1957 - 'Jive Unlimited' at Ricky's Club.
March 29th 1957 - Dr Crock and his Crackpots play at the Savoy Ballroom by popular request. The Portsmouth Royal Marine band take part in BBC Radio Light Programme's 'Music Night'
March 30th 1957 - J S Bach's St Matthew Passion is performed at Drayton Methodist Church, soloists Florence Brice, Pamela Shearman, Wilfred Brown, Reginald Wassell and Peter Hutchings. At the Empress Ballroom, Mick Mitchell and his band play with guests Eddie Formby and his Rock'n'rollers. At the South Parade Pier, Wally Fry and his Collegians plus Hector Davies Blue Star Players play for dancing.
April 1st 1957 - At the Kings Theatre Michael Holiday and Russ Hamilton and the Butlin Skiffle Group appear, the Theatre are to run a skifffle contest for local groups with a holiday at Butlins as the prize for the winner. At the Savoy ballroom, The World's Rock'n'roll Championship 1st qualifying heat. At the Empress Ballroom, an inter-town rock'n'roll and be-bop competition Southampton v Portsmouth, with free ice cream and Coca Cola.
April 2nd 1957 - The Southern Counties Orchestra play at the Empress Ballroom.
April 4th 1957 - British Railways staff dance at South Parade Pier, with music from the De Reske Orchestra and the Marinaires. A singing contest at the Savoy Cinema attraced 105 entries, and was won by Mr Cyril Tawney of Lee on Solent.
April 5th 1957 - Jack Parnell and his Orchestra play at the Savoy Ballroom.
April 6th 1957 - Adrian Slade, a 12 year old pupil from Portsmouth Grammar School and 33, Orchard Road Southsea, is the youngest of 17 taking part in the Junior accordion championships at the Westminster Hall London.
April 8th 1957 - The Royal Ballet perform at the Kings Theatre. By popular demand, rock'n'roll comes to the Court Ballroom.
April 9th 1957 - The Southern Counties Orchestra play at the Empress Ballroom.
April 12th 1957 - Cy Laurie and his Band play at the Savoy Ballroom. Irene Keen's Trio play at All Saints Church Hall.
April 13th 1957 - The Portsmouth Choral Union, conducted by Bertram Bradshaw, perform Handel's Messiah at the Wesley Central Hall. Dean Maddisson and his Jazz Group play at the Empress Ballroom with Mick Mitchell and his Music. Hetty Searle and Maureen Cobby, from Portsmouth, have won the All England Advanced Duet Accordion Championships at the Westminster Central Hall, London. At the South Parade Pier, Wally Fry and his Collegians plus Hector Davies Blue Star Players play for dancing.
April 15th 1957 - At the Empire Theatre, Venus on Parade, featuring Portsmouth's own singing star Steve Harris.
April 16th 1957 - The Southern Counties Orchestra play at the Empress Ballroom.
April 18th 1957 - Alex Welsh and his Dixielanders play at the Savoy Ballroom.
April 19th 1957 - Isobel Bailie, Reginald Wasell bass, Stanley Matthews organ, and the full chorus of the Milton Glee Club, give a concert at the Wesley Central Hall, Fratton Road. The Welwyn Garden City Male Voice Choir sing, and Reginald Porter-Brown plays the Wonder Organ on South Parade Pier. The Portsmouth Philharmonic Society perform St John Passion at the Portsmouth Cathedral, Orchestra leader, Ernest Barr.
April 20th 1957 - Dean Maddison and his Jazz Group play at the Empress Ballroom with Mick Mitchell and his Music. At the South Parade Pier, Wally Fry and his Collegians plus Hector Davies Blue Star Players play for dancing.
April 22nd 1957 - Edmund Hockridge sings at the Kings Theatre. Terry Flynn's Quintet pay at the Empress ballroom with Mick Mitchell and his Music.
April 23rd 1957 - The Southern Counties Orchestra play at the Empress Ballroom.
April 25th 1957 - Harry Davidson's Old Time Dance Orchestra play at the Savoy Ballroom.
April 26th 1957 - The Basil and Ivor Kinchin Band play at the Savoy Ballroom.
April 27th 1957 - Dean Maddison and his Jazz Group play at the Empress Ballroom with Mick Mitchell and his Music. At the South Parade Pier, Wally Fry and his Collegians plus Hector Davies Blue Star Players play for dancing.
April 29th 1957 - At the Kings Theatre Max Wall, plus Terry Kennedy and his rock'n'rollers. At the Empire Theatre 'Britain's answer to Bill Hailey' Art Baxter and his Rock'n'roll Sinners, later in the week advertised at Dickie Bennett and his Rock'n'roll Sinners.
April 30th 1957 - The Southern Counties Orchestra play at the Empress Ballroom.
May 3rd 1957 - Terry Lightfoot and his jazzmen play at the savoy Ballroom. The Norman Long Quartet play at the Hilsea Lido.
May 4th 1957 - At the South Parade Pier, Wally Fry and his Collegians plus Hector Davies Blue Star Players play for dancing.
May 6th 1957 - At the Empire Theatre, 'Thanks for the Memory', a grand array of look a-like music hall artistes. The Greenwood Singers entertain holidaying pensioners at the Rock Gardens Pavilion. The Portsmouth Glee Club recently won 3 first class certificates and trophies at the Portsmouth Music Festival. They recently performed, "The Temptation of Christ" at St Peter's Church, Southsea.
May 10th 1957 - Eric Winstone and his Orchestra play at the Savoy Ballroom.
May 11th 1957 - Edvard Grieg's Song of Norway is performed on South Parade Pier by the Portsmouth Players.
May 13th 1957 - The Hedley Ward Trio, without Hedley Ward, play at he Kings Theatre.
May 14th 1957 - The Southern Counties Orchestra play at the Empress Ballroom.
May 17th 1957 - Ted Heath and his Music play at the Savoy Ballroom. Ted Heath himself was unable to appear beacuse of ill health.
May 18th 1957 - Reginald Porter-Brown is featured on the Wonder Organ at the South Parade Pier.
May 20th 1957 - Eddie Calvert play at the Kings Theatre.
May 21st 1957 - The Southern Counties Orchestra play 'the last one' at the Empress Ballroom.
May 24th 1957 - Eric Delaney and his Band play at the Savoy Ballroom.
May 25th 1957 - The Greenwood Singers entertain holidaying pensioners at the Rock Gardens Pavilion. A Chamber Music Recital with Daphne Down clarinet, Joyce May soprano, Ernest Barr violin, John Durrant piano, John Watkins viola is held at John Pound's Church.
May 26th 1957 - The 751st United States Air Force Band play at the Empire Theatre. The Squadronaires, directed by Ronnie Aldrich, play on South Parade Pier. The Portsmouth Grand Opera Company perform at the Empire Theatre with proceeds to the Cheshire Home, Lee Court.
May 27th 1957 - Max Bygraves appears at the Kings Theatre but has to pull out with a badly bruised larynx.
May 28th 1957 - Portsmouth Grammar School Choral Society perform "Elijah" at the Wesley Central Hall.
May 29th 1957 - Roy Richards and his Mayfair Orchestra play at the Savoy Ballroom.
May 30th 1957 - Skiffle and Jazz competition at the Conservative Hall, Fratton Road with 12 bands competeing.
May 31st 1957 - Johnny Dankworth and his Orchestra play at the Savoy Ballroom. The Festival Bar now open with Sam Ross at the Wonder Hammond Organ.
June 1st 1957 - The Portsmouth Schools Music Festival starts at the Wesley Central Hall.
June 2nd 1957 - Max Miller appears at the Empire Theatre with Bobby Collins.
June 3rd 1957 - "Out of the blue" a sparkling and original musical, is performed at the South Parade Pier.
June 4th 1957 - The Southern Counties Dance Orchestra play at Kimbells, Osborne Road.
June 5th 1957 - Roy Richards and his Mayfair Orchestra play at the Savoy Ballroom.
June 6th 1957 - The Down-beat Jazz Club opens at the Conservative Hall, Fratton Road, with McGlover Skiffle Group (Mick Glover?) and Lews Verril Jazzmen.
June 7th 1957 - The Basil and Ivor Kirchin Band play at the Savoy Ballroom.
June 8th 1957 - Ben Oakley and his Orchestra start their season on South Parade Pier deck bandstand. Mornings at 11am, except Friday and Saturday, afternoons at 3pm, not Friday, and evenings at 7.15pm, Tuesdays Thursdays and Sundays at 7.30pm. Eric Maddison at the Electric Organ plays at the Savoy Ballroom with Benny Freeeman and his Orchestra. The Portsmouth City Fire Brigade band leave to give concerts in France.
June 9th 1957 - Humphrey Lyttleton and his 'New Look' Band play on South Parade Pier. David Whitfield, The King Brothers, Harry Worth, Billy Dainty and Audrey Jeans appear at the Kings Theatre.
June 10th 1957 - Lonnie Donegan plays at the Kings Theatre with Des O'connor also on the bill. "Rock you sinners" is the film showing at the Essoldo, Kingston and Southsea. "The Tommy Steele Story" film is shown at the Savoy Cinema, and the Essoldo Cosham and Southsea.
June 11th 1957 - Guitarists competition at the Savoy.
June 13th 1957 - Roy Richards and his Mayfair Orchestra play at the Savoy Ballroom.
June 14th 1957 - Jack Parnell and his Orchestra play at the Savoy Ballroom. The Down Beat Jazz Club at the Conservative Hall Fratton Road is closed until further notice. 32 male voices of the Portsmouth Choral Union, conducted by Bertram Bradshaw, featured on the BBC TV programme "Pleasure Boat" as it took viewers from Ryde to Cowes.
June 20th 1957 - Roy Richards and his Mayfair Orchestra play at the Savoy Ballroom.
June 21st 1957 - Freddy Randall and his Band play at the Savoy Ballroom.
June 22nd 1957 - The Theatre Royal opens with Rep.
June 23rd 1957 - Sid Phillips and his Band play on South Parade Pier.
June 24th 1957 - Sadler's Wells Opera Company perform at the Kings Theatre and includes Owen Brannigan. Reg Dixon and Chesney Allen star in the Summer show on South Parade Pier. The Four Skiffs and their Skiffle, from HMS Collingwood, appear at the Savoy Ballroom.
June 28th 1957 - Cy Laurie and his band play at the Savoy Ballroom.
July 1st 1957 - A week of Gilbert and Sullivan Operas are performed at the Kings Theatre by the D'oyle Carte Opera Company. Special appearance of the New Orleans Jazz Group from HMS Collingwood, at the Savoy Ballroom.
July 2nd 1957 - The Broadway Orchestra play at the Rock Gardens Pavilion.
July 3rd 1957 - Special appearance of The 4 Skiffs plus the Ivy White Can Can Girls at the Savoy Ballroom.
July 5th 1957 - Ted Heath and his Music play at the Savoy Ballroom.
July 7th 1957 - Mick Mulligan and his Band, with George Melly and Europe's first lady of Jazz, Neva Raphello, play on South Parade Pier.
July 8th 1957 - At the Kings Theatre for a 'gay summer reveiw', David Whitfield, Harry Worth, Audrey Jeans, Billy Dainty, King Brothers and The George Mitchell Singers perform. The Glover Skiffle Group play at the Savoy Ballroom.
June 11th 1957 - Roy Richards and his Mayfair Orchestra play at the Savoy Ballroom.
July 12th 1957 - Johnny Dankworth and his Orchestra play at the Savoy Ballroom.
July 15th 1957 - The Red Friars Skiffle Group play at the Savoy Ballroom.
July 16th 1957 - A Festival of Dance Music is held at the Savoy Ballroom, 13 bands play with proceeds to the Benevolent Funds of the Portsmouth Branch Musicians Union.
July 19th 1957 - Tony Crombie and his Rockets play at the Savoy Ballroom.
July 21st 1957 - Eric Delaney and his Band play on South Parade Pier.
July 22nd 1957 - At the Cosham RAFA Hall, Jazz and Skiffle from Les Verrell and Pete Young Twin Band Show. The Sunbrimmers Skiffle Group play at the Savoy Ballroom.
July 26th 1957 - Sid Phillips and his Orchestra play at the Savoy Ballroom.
July 29th 1957 - The Red Friars Skiffle Group play at the Savoy Ballroom.
July 30 1957 - The Broadway Orchestra play at the Rock Gardens Pavilion.
August 1st 1957 - The Broadway Orchestra play at the Rock Gardens Pavilion. Roy Richards and his Mayfair Orchestra play at the Savoy Ballroom.
August 2nd 1957 - Alex Welsh and his Dixielanders play at the Savoy Ballroom.
August 3rd 1957 - The Greenwood Entertainers perform at Elizabeth House, Old Folks Home, Wymering.
August 4th Ken Colyers Jazzmen and Ken Colyers Skiffle Group, play on South Parade Pier with Bob Kelly on piano in the interval.
August 6th 1957 - Roy Richards and his Mayfair Orchestra play at the Savoy Ballroom.
August 9th 1957 - Vic Lewis and his Orchestra play at the Savoy Ballroom.
August 14th 1957 - With Benny Freedman at the Savoy Ballroom are Irene White's Can Can Girl's, and the Mike Glover Skiffle Group.
August 15th 1957 - Roy Richards and his Mayfair Orchestra play at the Savoy Ballroom.
August 16th 1957 - Ted Heath and his Music play at the Savoy Ballroom.
August 18th 1957 - Chris Barber and his Jazz Band play on South Parade Pier.
August 23rd 1957 - The New Basil Kirchin Band play at the Savoy Ballroom.
August 24th 1957 - At the Essoldo Southsea and Cosham, Frankie Vaughn stars in the film, "These Dangerous Years".
August 26th 1957 - First heat of the world skiffle championships are held at the Savoy Ballroom plus appearance of Manny Howard and the Maniacs.
August 27th 1957 - Roy Richards and his Mayfair Orchestra play at the Savoy Ballroom.
August 30th 1957 - Eric Delaney and his Orchestra play at the Savoy Ballroom. The Irene Keen Trio play at All Saint's Church Hall.
September 3rd 1957 - Second heat of the World Skiffle Championship Heat at the Savoy Ballroom.
September 5th 1957 - The Len Ashdown Band travel to Purley, Surrey to take part in South Britain Regional final of the national dance band contest. The Band includes, Len on Piano, Danny Huntley drums, William Swan bass, Ken Howell trumpet, Ray Cresdee and Cyril Breeze on tenors. Roy Richards and his Mayfair Orchestra play at the Savoy Ballroom.
September 6th 1957 - Ronnie Aldrich and the Squadronaires play at the Savoy Ballroom.
September 8th 1957 - The Gosport Orchestra, conductor Mr Waterworth, and the Rowner and Bridgemary Singers perform on the South Parade Pier.
September 10th 1957 - Third heat of the World Skiffle Championship Heat at the Savoy Ballroom.
September 11th 1957 - Roy Richards and his Mayfair Orchestra play at the Savoy Ballroom.
September 13th 1957 - Terry Lightfoot and his Band play at the Savoy Ballroom. The Theatre Royal are to feature local amateur musicians on Sundays. The first concert by the Portsmouth Ladies Choir is conducted by Miss Florence Greaves, organiser of the Portsmouth Musical Competition Festival.
September 14th 1957 - Les Verralls Band play at the RAFA Club Cosham.
September 15th 1957 - Freddy Randall and his Band play at the Empire Theatre. The Ben Oakley Orchestra give their final performance of the summer season on South Parade Pier.
September 16th 1957 - The Portsmouth Players Perform 'Oklahoma', at the South Parade Pier, with the orchestra conducted by Bertram Bradshaw.
September 17th 1957 - 4th Heat of the World Skiffle Championship Heat at the Savoy Ballroom.
September 18th 1957 - For the 390th time the Portsmouth Music Club meet, now at the Lecture Room in the Central Library.
September 19th 1957 - 5th Heat of the World Skiffle Championship Heat at the Savoy Ballroom. Roy Richards and his Mayfair Orchestra play at the Savoy Ballroom.
September 20th 1957 - Dr. Crock and his Crackpots play at the Savoy Ballroom. The Greenwood Singers entertain residents at St Vincent Lodge, Southsea.
September 21st 1957 - The Zummerzet Society meet at the Co-op Hall, Albert Road, Southsea and the Irene Keen Quartet provide music for dancing.
September 22nd 1957 - Chris Barber and his Jazz Band with Ottilie Patterson, play on South Parade Pier.
September 23rd 1957 - Final of the World Skiffle Championship Heat at the Savoy Ballroom.
September 25th 1957 - The Mike Treend Quartet play at the Alma Arms, Highland Road.
September 27th 1957 - Ted Heath and his Music play at the Savoy Ballroom. The Municipal Concert Lecture is given by John Durrant at the Central Library Lecture Hall.
September 28th 1957 - Winner of the Savoy Ballroom final of the Word Skiffle Championships were Tommy Moss and the Rolling Ramblers who win £15.0.0d. Second was The Rebles Skiffle group who get £10.0.0d. both are from Portsmouth. The winner will now go to London for the All England final.
October 4th 1957 - Vic Lewis and his Orchestra play at the Savoy Ballroom. The Greenwood Entertainers, produced and arranged by Herbert and Kathryn Green, perform at St Mark's Darby and Joan Club.
October 5th 1957 - The Milton Glee Club perform Edward German's 'Tom Jones' at the Wesley Central Hall. Reginald Wassell is one of the soloists. First Portsmouth appearance of Vic Abbott, from London, and his Orchestra at Kimbells, replacing Roy Richards and his Mayfair Orchestra. Concerts at John Pounds Church in the High Streeet Old Portsmouth, organised by John Durrant and John Sturgess, start a new season with a piano recitals. The Circle Skiffle Club presents 'The Kru neKs' at the Kingston Boys Club, and the 'Louisiana Four' at Goodwyns Youth CXlub Cosham.
October 6th 1957 - Municipal Concerts begin again at the Kings Theatre with Colin Horsley and the Southern Philharmonic Orchestra conductor Herbert Menegs.
October 7th 1957 - At the RAFA Club Cosham, Les Verrall Modern Jazz Group, and The Crescent City Skiffle Group perform. BBC Harmony Group The Kordites, support Comedian Dave King at the Kings Theatre.
October 8th 1957 - The Southern Counties Orchestra play at the Co-opertive Hall, Garnier Street. The Ace Dance Band play at the Irish Club, Fratton Road.
October 11th 1957 - Johnny Dankworth and his Orchestra with Cleo Laine, play at the Savoy Ballroom.
October 14th 1957 - Terry Dene and his Dene-Aces, plus Les Hobeaux and ventriloquist Ray Allen, appear at the Kings Theatre.
October 15th 1957 - Milton Glee Club visit St James Hospital and repeat their 'Tom Jones' concert, with soloists Messrs White, Bing, Pinhorn and Wassell. Dancing to Eric Bernard Trio at Wymering Parish Hall, Cosham. Vic Abbott and his Music play at the Savoy Ballroom.
October 17th 1957 - British Railways Staff Dance at the South Parade Pier with the De Reske Orchestra and The Marinaires Modern Dance Orchestra.
October 18th 1957 - Ken Mackintosh and his Orchestra play at the Savoy Ballroom. A music lectiure is given by John Durrant at the Lecure Hall of the Central library.
October 19th 1957 - The Portsmouth Philharmonic Society perform Mendelssohn's "Elijah" at the Wesley Central Hall, Fratton Road, orchestra leader Ernest Barr. Edward German's Merrie England is performed at Drayton Methodist Church hall.
October 21st 1957 - Modern Jazz at the Sunshine Inn, Farlington.
October 23rd 1957 - Modern Jazz at the Alma Arms, Highland Road. Irene Keen's Quartet play at the Co-op Hall, Albert Road. Vic Abbott and his Music play at the Savoy Ballroom.
October 25th 1957 - Manny Howard and his Maniacs plus Tommy Moss and his Rolling Ramblers Skiffle Group play at the Savoy Ballroom plus Benny Freedman and his Orchestra.
October 26th 1957 - The Portsmouth Glee Club peform "The Rebel Maid" at the Wesley Central Hall, Fratton Road. All the previous week, in the Scala Theatre London, "Summer Song" has been performed with Portsmouth singer Jean Evans, daughter of Councillor L J Evans, in the principal role. She has appeared in Merrie England recently and in several Portsmouth Players shows. Also in the production was Portsmouth RADA student John Futcher.
October 27th 1957 - "Loving you" is shown at the Gaumont Portsmouth and Southsea.
October 28th 1957 - The Hedley Ward Trio play at the Empire Theatre. Carroll Levis search for stars at the Kings Theatre. The three winners from this hear were, Joyce French, The Scott Brothers and Mike Glover and his Rock'n'rollers. The Portsmouth United Nations Association have a musical evening at the Milton Training College Hall, with the Portsmouth Ladies choir conducted by Miss Florence Greaves. She also sang solo.
October 30th 1957 - The Press Ball on South Parade Pier has music from the Dance Orchestra of HM Royal Marines Portsmouth.
October 31st 1957 - A new £7,000 organ at All Saints Church is dedicated.
November 1st 1957 - The Boston Trio play at All Saints Church Hall. The Stan Matthews Band play at the NALGO Ball on South Parade Pier.
November 2nd 1957 - Eric Winstone and his Orchestra play at the Savoy Ballroom.
November 4th 1957 - Reginald Wassell sings, Ernest Barr plays violin and John Durrant plays piano at a John Pounds Chuch recital.
November 6th 1957 - Carroll Levis Finalists, The Dave Watson group to play at the Railway Hotel Fratton, every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
November 9th 1957 - Vaughn Williams' "A Sea Symphony" is performed by the Portsmouth Choral Union at the Wesley Central Hall Fratton Road, orchestra leader Ernest Barr, conducted by Bertram Bradshaw. Ray Ellington and his Quartet, with Shitrley Jackson play at the Savoy Ballroom.
November 11th 1957 - The Mike Treend Group play modern jazz at the Sunshine Inn, Farlington, every Monday.
November 12th 1957 - Jimmy Shand and his Scottish Dance Band play on South Parade Pier for the Portsmouth Caledonian Society. The Ace Dance Band play at the Dockyard Club, Onslow Road.
November 14th 1957 - British Railways Saff Dance at South Parade Pier has The Southern Counties Orchestra and the Marinaires Modern Dance Orchestra playing for dancing.
November 15th 1957 - Dr. Crock and his Crackpots play at the Savoy Ballroom. Teddy Hanks and his Band play on South Parade Pier.
November 16th 1957 - The Portsdown Music Guild give the first of three concerts. Mick Mitchell and his Band and the Dean Maddison Band play on the South Parade Pier.
November 17th 1957 - The Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra play at the Kings Theatre.
November 18th 1957 - New resident band at the South Parade Pier, Ronnie Keene, his saxaphone, and his Orchestra with Lynne Adams. Benny Freedman and his Orchestra are joined by Vic Abbott and his Orchestra at the Savoy Ballroom.
November 20th 1957 - A dramatised version of 'Hiawatha' featuring the Portsmouth Ladies Choir, presented by Miss Florence Greaves, is performed at St Peter's Hall, Somers Road.
November 22nd 1957 - Ted Heath amnd his Music play at the Savoy Ballroom.
November 24th 1957 - A bandleaders meeting takes place 11am at the Gargoyle Club, 80a Palmerston Road.
November 25th 1957 - Benny Freedman and his Orchestra are joined by Vic Abbott and his Orchestra at the Savoy Ballroom.
November 29th 1957 - Freddy Randall and his Band play at the Savoy Ballroom.
November 30th 1957 - The Boston club Trio play at the Co-op Hall Albert Road for the Lancashire Society dance. Roy Richards and his Mayfair Music play at the Edelweiss Restaurant, South Parade, Southsea on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
December 5th 1957 - British Railways staff dance at the South Parade Pier with the De Reske Orchestra and Ronnie Keene and his Band, play for dancing.
December 6th 1957 - Vic Lewis and his Orchestra play at the Savoy Ballroom.
December 7th 1957 - The Portsmouth Philharmonic Society present an Orchestral Concert at the Wesley Central Hall, Fratton Road.
December 8th 1957 - Ronnie Carroll, the Crescent City Jazz Band and the Nomads Skiffle Group from Portsmouth, appear at the Empire Theatre.
December 13th 1957 - Cy Laurie and his Band play at the Savoy Ballroom. The Horseshoe on Kings Road corner re-opens, later a venue for live music.
December 14th 1957 - Portsmouth Glee Club Christmas Concert at the Wesley Central Hall, Fratton Road with soloists Max Jaffa, Jack Byfield and Reginald Kilby with Stanley Mathews organist. Chamber Music Recital at John Pounds Church included Rosalind Mathews cello, John Durrant piano and Ernest Barr violin.
December 15th 1957 - The Milton Glee Club and the Southsea Silver Band, plus soloist Tudor Evans, give a concert of carols and Christmas Music at the Empire Theatre.
December 17th 1957 - Reg Bannistra and his Music play at the Co-op Hall, Albert Road.
December 20th 1957 - Basil Kirchin and his Band with "The Moonbeams" play at the Savoy Ballroonm.
December 21st 1957 - The Portsmouth Choral Union give a Carols and Christmas Music Concert at the Wesley Central Hall, Fratton Road. Ronnie Keene and his Orchestra and Dean Maddison and his Jazz group play on South Parade Pier.
December 27th 1957 - Ronnie Aldrich and the Squadronaires play at the Savoy Ballroom.
Decmeber 31st 1957 - At the Theatre Royal, Leslie 'Jiver' Hutchinson and an all coloured band or the Roy Kenton Quartet play for the Theatre Royal Club. Ronnie Keene and his Orchestra and Dean Maddison and his Jazz group play on South Parade Pier. De Reske Orchestra play at the Oddfellows Hall.
NOTE: This is an edited version of Mick Cooper's research. The full version can be found at Mick Cooper's website