Overview
Here's some news you won't read in Lady Whistledown's latest pamphlet — and a reason to frock up like you're in Regency-era London, too. This September, for one day and night only, Melbourne's Plaza Ballroom is playing host to party that'll whisk you back in time: the wholly unofficial but still appropriately themed Bridgerton Ball.
If you're keen to be the talk of the ton, mark Saturday, September 17 in your diary — and prepare for the social soiree of the season. If you've binged your way through two seasons of the Netflix hit already and you're excited about more (and a Queen Charlotte prequel), consider this your chance to pretend you've stepped right into the series.
On the agenda: dancing to tunes played by a string quartet, tucking into four hours of food and booze, playing games of chance, doing some live drawing and (probably) gossiping in corners while looking fabulous. Melburnians will have two chances to do just that, with sessions taking place from 12–4pm and 7–11pm, and tickets costing $209 per person.
The ball is the latest pop culture-themed shindig from the folks behind A Wizardry High Tea, the Harry Potter-inspired excuse to eat bite-sized snacks, sip butterbeer and cocktails, and take potions classes — but unlike that event, this one is only popping up in Melbourne so far.
The best way to prepare: watching Bridgerton, of course. Although, surely the Bridgerton Ball won't involve powerful families trying to marry off their children and scandal sheets getting everyone a-tutting. It will let you party like you're a duke or duchess, though.
Check out the trailer for Bridgerton season two below:
The Bridgerton Ball takes place at the Plaza Ballroom, 191 Collins Street, Melbourne, from 12–4pm and 7–11pm on Saturday, September 17. For more information or to buy tickets, head to the event website.
To watch Bridgerton in the interim, head to Netflix.
Images: Liam Daniel / Netflix.