The Princess Ballroom was seen as the "principle centre of entertainments" in Ashington throughout the 1920s, and previously existed under the guise of a skating rink. The ballroom had a great capacity and was used for large dancing events and functions, as well as Ashington's own boxing cards.

Such events commenced after the sale of the site in 1928, which included 1440 sq yards and in "good decorative order". The first recorded bouts occurred in the September, and made a strong appeal. Within October bouts took place between Danny Veitch of Sunderland and Young Josephs of Wallsend, Young Graham of Teams and Peter Kane of Jarrow. Both had crowds of up to 1000 people. Undercards also took place, clearly showing the ambition and popularity of the venue.

Fights continued until 1931 or 1932. Some pretty famous regional boxers competed here such as Douglas Parker, the BBBofC Northern Area Lightweight champion and almost the British Lightweight champion in 1934. The Sunday boxing series were prohibited by magistrates due to the sabbath after investigation by the local Church Vigilance Committee. With this said there were many, such as the Rev S Davison and Father Connelly of the R C Church, who took a more permissive view.

Thereafter the venue changed hands to Alfred Shepherd to use as a meeting hall. Negotiations for miners working conditions took place here took place here as well as variety performances. The BBC held talent auditions for musicians in 1938 and other such musical performances in the next year or so.

The ballroom suffered from a dramatic fire in April 1944. It was discovered at 5:20AM, with a blaze coming from the roof, having been blacked out for a dance the night before. The roof eventually collapsed with flames and sparks leaping into the air 100ft. The damage was estimated at £30,000. It was mooted to rebuild the ballroom after great civic support, but the license wasn't granted.