Older residents reunited after the pandemic at a tea dance in Halifax

Staying Well hosted the Calderdale Big Band Tea Dance at Arden Road Social Club in Halifax on Saturday afternoon.

A spokesperson said: "The purpose of the event was to bring people together who had experienced social isolation and loneliness over the last few years of the pandemic and to relive a classic 1940s event.

"This was an opportunity for people to socialise, dust off them old dancing shoes and have a good time.

"Coming together through musical nostalgia, the event offered the chance to forget about the worries, struggles and challenges we have all faced in recent years.

"Instead, everyone was able to experience a sense of normality as our community came together."

Live music was performed by Calderdale Big Band, who played a variety of songs and tracks from the 1940s throughout the event.

Dressed in traditional 1940s attire, Active Rainbow delivered live dance tutorials for everyone to follow.

This brought many people up from their chairs to join the dance instructors on the dance floor and was a chance for people to shake their shoulders, show their jazz hands and have a great time dancing.

Midway through the event, afternoon tea was served by staff and volunteers which consisted of a selection of sandwiches, cakes and other nibbles.

While everyone was eating, Rachel Swaby, communities programme manager at North Halifax Partnership, introduced Staying Well and what the service offers.

The spokesperson added: "As the event came to a close, everyone left with beaming smiles, full stomachs, new friendships, and possibly slightly sore feet from all that dancing!

"The general feel of the event was very positive with lots of amazing feedback."

The event was funded by the North Halifax Partnership, which offers a range of services for all generations.

Staying Well is part of this offering; working with individuals and communities to help people feel less lonely and isolated.

For more information about future events and how to access the service, visit www.stayingwellhub.com