SUPPORTERS of the arts will come together for a 1940s street party to raise money for a little theatre by the sea.

The Marine Theatre in Lyme Regis is hosting an indoor street party on Saturday August 19 which will raise cash for the theatre and also celebrate Dame Vera Lynn's 100th birthday.

The party, A Nightingale Sang in Marine Square, will feature Dame Vera tribute act Samantha, who’ll serenade party-goers with many of Vera Lynn’s classic wartime songs and a cohort of dancers who’ll teach them how to do the Charleston Stroll.

Arriving guests will be greeted by uniformed volunteers offering a complimentary cocktail and a simple but tasty picnic supper, all made possible thanks to Conker Gin, Dottie Kitchen, the Co-op and Kate’s Kitchen.

The Marine Bar will be open all evening for further purchase-able refreshments, and the stage performance will be in two halves with an interval to allow tables to be pushed back to create more room for dancing. Throughout the night, tickets will be sold for a raffle of local gifts, themed presents, vouchers and hampers, all generously donated by Lyme businesses.

Party-goers can join the spirit of the occasion by coming in uniforms or 40s styled dresses. Colmers Hill Fashions in Symondsbury is offering a 10 per cent discount to all ticket holders to help with outfits.

Proceeds will go to the Maintain the Marine Fund that helps Lyme’s 123-year old Little Theatre By the Sea to up-grade its facilities and weather the storms.

*A Nightingale Sang in Marine Square, Marine Square Lyme Regis, Saturday, August 19, 7pm to 11pm.

Tickets are £30 each and are available from Lyme TIC or marinetheatre.com.