Victoria hosted her first musical evening at Buckingham Palace on 15 July 1837, a mere two days after her arrival. From then on, she frequently held concerts and recitals at the palace. During the 1840s and 50s, the palace also played host to a series of costume Balls, each themed around a different historical period. These were not only public entertainments, but were designed to provide much needed employment for British silk and textile workers.