The Royal Albert Hall has hosted many Balls over the years but none can compete with the annual Chelsea Arts Club Balls for pure eccentricity.

First hosted at the Hall in 1910 these New Year’s Eve balls each had a central theme, in this case, '50 Years Hence’.

They were renowned for their exuberance making them the highlight in the social calendar for London’s bohemian artists and socialites. As part of the celebrations huge carnival floats were driven around the auditorium floor and, at the stroke of midnight, would be destroyed by revellers.

Image is a reproduction of the Programme cover from 1931