Dancers, sequence enthusiasts, and lovers of traditional ballroom, step onto the south coast’s premier sprung dance floor! Hosted regularly at the prestigious O2 Guildhall Southampton (SO14 7LP), Fred Goater’s Tea Dance offers an elegant afternoon of music, social dancing, and community spirit. Hosted by popular dance leader Jacquie Keighley, these monthly events run from 11:30 AM onwards, transforming the grand venue into a bustling, atmospheric ballroom.
Event Schedule & Opening Times
Fred Goater’s Tea Dance is a popular monthly daytime event held at O2 Guildhall Southampton:
- Frequency: Held monthly on select Wednesdays (e.g., 29 July, 19 August, and 16 September 2026)
- Doors Open: 11:30 AM
- Event Timings: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM
- Location: O2 Guildhall Southampton, Civic Centre, Commercial Road, Southampton (SO14 7LP)
- Age Guidance: Open to social dancers of all ages and abilities.
Featured Dance Styles
Hosted by dance leader Jacquie Keighley, each session features a balanced mix of traditional ballroom, Latin, sequence, and old-time dance disciplines:
Ballroom & Latin Classics
Enjoy timeless social dancing to classic tracks on one of the finest sprung dance floors in the region.
- Waltz: Elegant, graceful ballroom steps
- Foxtrot & Quickstep: Smooth, sweeping rhythms and fast-paced glides
- Modern Tango: Dramatic, sharp, and structured ballroom routines
- Cha Cha Cha, Rumba & Jive: Energetic and expressive Latin rhythms
Sequence & Old Time Dancing
Group-friendly sequence routines and nostalgic old-time dancing where everyone can dance together in unison.
- Popular Sequence: Standardised sequence dances loved by social dancers
- Modern Sequence: Contemporary sequence choreographies
- Old Time Dancing: Classic heritage dance patterns
Ticket Prices & Admission Options
Tickets can be purchased online via official ticket outlets (Ticketmaster / Live Nation / Academy Music Group) or directly at the venue box office:
Standard Tickets
- General Admission Ticket: Standard entry prices apply (typically £6.00 – £8.00 depending on booking channels)
- Essential Companion / Carer: Free companion tickets available for accessible requirements upon request
How to Get to O2 Guildhall Southampton
The O2 Guildhall is located in the heart of Southampton city center inside the historic Civic Centre complex:
- By Train: Southampton Central Railway Station is just a 5-minute walk away (approx. 0.3 miles) via Commercial Road or Above Bar Street.
- By Bus: Major city bus routes stop directly outside the Civic Centre and along nearby Above Bar Street and WestQuay.
- By Car: Accessible via the M3 (Junction 14) or M27 (Junction 5), following signs for Southampton City Centre and Civic Centre (satnav postcode SO14 7LP).
Where to Park near O2 Guildhall Southampton
While the venue does not have its own private car park, multiple public parking facilities are located within a short walking distance:
- Civic Centre Forecourt Car Park: Multi-space surface car park located right outside the venue.
- Grosvenor Square Multi-Storey Car Park: Located approximately 2 minutes away on Northlands Road / Grosvenor Square (SO15 2UA).
- WestQuay Shopping Centre Parking: Spacious multi-storey parking facilities located a 5 to 7-minute walk away.
- Accessible Parking: Designated Blue Badge bays are located on West Marlands Road and Civic Centre Road.
Discover More Local Events
Looking for more exciting things to do across the city? Check out our complete list of What’s On in Southampton to discover the latest festivals, live music, theatre shows, and community events happening near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Fred Goater’s Tea Dance?
- It is a long-standing monthly social dance event hosted by Jacquie Keighley at the O2 Guildhall Southampton, featuring ballroom, Latin, and sequence dancing on a magnificent sprung floor.
- Where does the tea dance take place?
- The event is held inside the main auditorium of the O2 Guildhall Southampton, located within the Civic Centre complex on Commercial Road (SO14 7LP).
- What time do doors open for Fred Goater’s Tea Dance?
- Doors open at 11:30 AM, with social dancing running through the afternoon until 3:00 PM.
- Do I need to bring a dance partner?
- No, single dancers and couples are equally welcome! The event offers a friendly, inclusive atmosphere where everyone can enjoy social dancing.
- Are refreshments available during the event?
- Yes, tea, coffee, and light refreshments are available for purchase on site during the event break.
- Is the venue accessible for disabled visitors?
- Yes, the O2 Guildhall Southampton features flat level access, step-free routes, accessible toilet facilities, and designated Blue Badge parking nearby.