The Time Travellers Ball

Gary Shaw

The world was a very different place when ticket holders last enjoyed The Time Travellers’ Ball. In 2019 the “Best On Theme Award” was presented to the guest who accepted the challenge of dressing to the theme of Voyagers. After the long pandemic voyage the world has shared together since then, this year it was decided that beauty and pleasure out of adversity would inform this year’s vision, so naming the theme La Belle. While encouraged, guests do not have to stick to the theme, but on Saturday, June 17 there was no shortage of beautiful costumes on display during the sold-out event.

All of this year’s attendees enjoyed a night of showing off their creativity, mahi, and in many cases exceptional skill as they packed out a beautifully decorated Anzac Hall. Exquisitely colourful saris draped from the main hall where the dancefloor heaved to the entertainment provided by local punk folk favourites The Penny Stinkers, and a high energy belter of a set by the swing and jazz sensation

The Possum Boots Quintet, complete with an 1896 sousaphone. Surrounded by floral columns, a bedecked Viking tent, and enchanting decor that transformed the hall into a blend of different eras, many time travellers will tell you that every year the food is one of their highlights. This year was no different, with a five-course buffet fit for royalty recreating sumptuous fare from a Victorian menu.

Not only was Anzac Hall humming to the atmosphere of guests dining, dancing, or getting their drinks at the steampunk-themed tap room and cocktail bar, but a whole different atmosphere was being created when you moved into Kiwi Hall. If you wanted to try to take a break in the makeshift ‘speakeasy’, there were mocktails on offer amid prohibition paraphernalia. Guests were also able to procure their own authentic plate photography portrait to capture how incredible they looked during a night they will hopefully never forget.