The ball was held at the Armidale Bowling Club last year but the expected numbers have dictated a larger venue this year.

“We had a brilliant time at last year’s ball, and it was down largely to the fantastic music of Maxwell Street,” Blues president Ian Lloyd said.

“We have booked the Ex-Services Club auditorium which will hold a much larger gathering and we will work hard to fill it by again keeping ticket prices to a minimum.

“There will be a few surprises along the way, but the theme ‘Casino Royale’ will encourage a great atmosphere in itself.

“Last year, the gangster theme was well supported and this year, we think we can go one better.”

The ball will be held on Saturday, August 9, in the Ex-Services auditorium and tickets can be purchased only from the Imperial Hotel as there will be no sales at the door.