The Golden 20s: a time of post-war celebration, female liberation, and nightclub debauchery. In short – a time I would have liked to experience (minus the two World Wars between which this small sliver of prosperity was wedged). Luckily I was invited to the Gangsters and Flappers Ball, organised by Pop-Up Events, where I got to travel back in time and immerse myself in the glamour of the 1920s.
The venue was an old church hall in Fitzroy. After initial difficulties — which involved disrupting a religious sermon by accident — we found our destination.
The hall something to behold. We entered a world of live entertainment, classic cocktails and naughtiness. All guests were dressed to impress in opulent gowns, feathers and Fedora hats.
On stage, a lineup of wonderful performers entertained the crowd. Everything was on offer: from the classic sultry songstress to burlesque striptease and acrobatic performance. The little stage was witness to some real Roaring 20s authenticity.
Whilst the rain was coming down hard on the outside, we warmed by dancing the night away to some live jazz tunes and drinking maybe one too many rather loaded cocktails. We even won a bottle of wine thanks to one of the many games that were facilitated throughout the night.
Another treat was the little Papermoon Photobooth, where guests could get professional photographs taken and take free printouts home as a keepsake.
It took a bit of convincing to drag my plus one in front of the camera (he was momentarily dazzled by two burlesque vixens), but eventually we got there and had some lovely snaps taken.
Claudia and her +1
This was a really fun event that was perfectly executed. It was evident that the organisers were very passionate about the era and had done their homework. Kudos to the performers, who really made this evening, and channelled the period extremely well. Let’s see what Pop-Up Events comes up with next!
– Claudia
Claudia B. is a German/Kiwi graphic designer and illustrator who has been living and working in Melbourne for the last four years. She enjoys a good glass of whiskey and the occasional pole dancing class.
Follow Pop-Up Events on Facebook to find out about their next event: a Roaring Twenties Beach Party at Port Melbourne Beach on Saturday 25th March 2017.
Expect a jazz band, singers, roving performers, burlesque, acrobats, vaudeville, 1920s beach games, vintage cars, and vintage wooden sailboats moored on the beach.
