Rock around the palace

In 2008 and 2009, ‘Rock around the palace’ was our big free event in the gardens of Kensington Palace. Inspired by the ‘Last debutantes’ exhibition, which celebrated the fashions of the late 1950s and the last season of debutantes, thousands of members of the public came and tried ballroom and rock and roll dancing, learnt about 1950s social etiquette and tried their hand at fun craft activities. The 2008 event was part of the London-wide ‘Big Dance’ festival.

‘Party at the Enchanted Palace’

Following on from the success of ‘Rock around the palace’, in July 2010 we staged ‘Party at the Enchanted Palace’, a weekend of historical dance reflecting each of the princesses of the ‘Enchanted Palace’ experience at Kensington, art activities and storytelling sessions. More people than ever came and took part, filling the Orangery lawns with people of all ages and backgrounds. Free booklets were also specially produced and distributed explaining the stories of the people featured in the ‘Enchanted Palace’.