Swing For Skin at the HMS Belfast

On Saturday 4th June, HMS Belfast played host to a fundraising swing dance in aid of DebRA, the national charity working on behalf of people in the UK with the genetic skin blistering condition Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB).

A whole host of 1940s enthusiasts stepped on board London's famous battleship for an evening of wartime entertainment. Dressed in their vintage finery, guests were jitterbugging galore, as the decks rocked to the sound of Swing, A 1940s trio sang in a style reminiscent of the Forces favourite's singing group; The Andrews Sisters.

Sodexo Prestige, the on-board catering and events team provided a British tea dance menu, serving traditional tea and Pimm's, with a selection of delicious sandwiches and freshly baked cakes and treats.

A raffle benefiting the charity was drawn at the end of the night with top prizes including a Lulu Guinness handbag, pin up photo shoot and beautiful Pashley bicycle.

Stepping on the boat was like stepping back in time, and there couldn't be a more perfect historic location for enthusiasts of the era to join together for such a great cause.

The event organiser Melissa Smith, and EB sufferer herself, said "The event was wonderful! Our guests so enjoyed being able to dance - and be photographed - on the HMS Belfast!"

Melissa added "We also had a few guests whose granddads and great uncles had served on the ship. One lady even found the gun her grandfather fired, on his 21st birthday, which sunk a German warship! Thank you to everyone involved."

DebRA is the national charity working on behalf of people in the UK with the genetic skin blistering condition Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), in which sufferer's skin is prevented from forming layers by a lack of proteins. The literal translation of EB is the break down and blistering of the skin.

HMS Belfast
HMS Belfast was launched in March 1938 and served throughout the Second World War, playing a leading role in the Battle of North Cape and in the Normandy Landings and was saved for the nation in 1971. Permanently moored outside London Bridge station on the Thames, HMS Belfast has four function rooms, two decks, fantastic views and a rich history. Guest can be piped on board HMS Belfast and treated with an incredible 360 degree view of London which takes in London Bridge, City Hall, Tower of London and St Paul's Cathedral, making it one of the best reception venues in London.

HMS Belfast, Morgan's Lane, Tooley Street, London, SE1 2JH

For more information or to arrange a visit please call 020 7403 6246, email hms.belfast@sodexo.com or visit www.prestigeexperience.co.uk

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