A historic theatre and ballroom in Bournemouth is set to open its doors for a free community event next month.

Residents are invited to the Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre, Westover Road, where they can enjoy a number of activities on Saturday, February 29.

History buffs will be able to enjoy guided tours around the theatre, ballroom, on stage and behind the scenes, where they will learn about the entertainers who have performed in the venue.

The tours will be running at 10.30am 12pm, 1.30pm and 3pm, with each session lasting over an hour.

Younger visitors can also follow the venue’s star trail as they explore hidden areas including backstage corridors and passages.

They can even get into character by dressing up in costume and taking a snap at a selfie station.

Other events include a free afternoon tea dance and recital between 2pm and 4pm, which will be hosted by organist Michael Wooldridge.

For beginners, and more experienced dancers, there will be a range of ballroom, Latin and popular sequences dances on offer.

BH Live’s divisional general manager, Steve Turner, said: "Bournemouth Pavilion is an amazing venue hosting more than 400 events throughout the year.

"It is steeped in history and if the walls could talk they’d tell some great stories.

"It is a privilege to be able to open the doors for this free community event once more; enabling people to get a unique perspective from behind the scenes and find out more from the team who make the magic happen.”

He added: "With the event being on a leap year we may even get an unexpected proposal in the venue.”

Cllr Mark Howell, Cabinet member for regeneration and culture at BCP Council, said: “After just over ninety years, Bournemouth Pavilion remains one of our region’s most iconic cultural and entertainment venues.

"We are pleased to see it will be celebrating this with a free day of activities for people of all ages.

"This is a great opportunity to explore behind the scenes and learn more about Bournemouth Pavilion’s fascinating heritage.’’

Bournemouth Pavilion is run by BH Live in partnership with BCP Council.

For more information, visit bournemouthpavilion.co.uk.