Ages

Patrons over the age of 18 years are catered for bearing in mind the event is designed for people who enjoy having “fun” and like the opportunity to meet new friends. There are 18 – 80 year olds that come and enjoy the night but the average age would be in the late 20s. Some 18 year olds think that this event is designed for the older generation but this is definitely not the case.

Look at the photos for more of an idea on ages of patrons.

Seating and Style of Ball

The GANGSTER AND GLAMOUR BALL is designed to be a unique,v alue for money Ball where patrons can get dressed up in Black Tie or theme and bring in New Year in the elegant surrounds of Brisbane City Hall.

The City Hall is transformed into a huge party over three levels with different entertainment in each of the zones. There is no set seating or table allocation but there is room for everybody. 

There are 2 dining areas in the Hamilton and Brisbane Rooms with the same food menu in a buffet style with the option of substantial fingerfood served throughout the Ball. The dining rooms offer different entertainment from Bandaoke to lively duos. If groups want a dinner party style of night, especially for the beginning, then simply stake out an area and settle in. The foyers and Balmoral Room are ideal for groups. We will not guarantee that you will all be together but we have never had any complaints yet and you may even get to meet somebody new.

It gets a bit crowded in the dining areas initially but the queues do move relatively quickly or patrons can simply wait for a little while.

The Square was originally introduced to cater for smokers but there is now 120m of fencing to cater for the masses under the clock. Due to renovations, the square may not be used this year but we will know closer to the time.

There will still be space for smokers out the front of City Hall.

  Pre and Post Ball Drinks

Pre Ball - We suggest meeting at the Sebel Citigate (formally The Crest) before the Ball. Our patrons are always looked after here and it is just over the road from the venue.

Post Ball drinks have been a huge success at the Chalk Hotel. Free buses will be shuttling from 12.15am and leave from the Ann Street entrance of City Hall opposite the Sebel Citigate. Taxis are also easier to catch from the Chalk Hotel.

Recovery drinks start at 12 midday at the Chalk Hotel for those eager to kick on. Patrons had a great time last year.

Transport

We are lucky that there is a great public transport system that runs throughout the entire night. See www.translink.com.au for details. You can also phone them on 13 12 30.

One of the main reasons we are going to the Chalk Hotel afterwards, other then it is a great place, is that cabs don't like going into the city if they can help it, and the Chalk is an ideal pick up spot. Not bad for cabs either. The Chalk will close at 5am.

Chalk Hotel Post Ball and New Year's Day Recovery Party:
The Chalk Hotel will have 4 buses shuttling from City hall from 12.45pm and it will be partying until 5am. Even though there will be a great public transport system from the City, cabs are easier to get from the Chalk Hotel. The Chalk Hotel is going all out to put on a great time and look after there VIP guests from the Ball.
There is also a Huge Recovery party at the Chalk Hotel everyone is invited to on New Year's day from midday. Last year there were some great surprises and everyone that came had a brilliant time as the Chalk Hotel was the ultimate host. Last year was massive.

www.chalkhotel.com.au

Dress

Black Tie Formal and/or Gangster and Glamour Dress.  Prizes also for the best and most inventive outfits. Be creative but classy.

Formal Hire - Check out these websites for discount formal hire (and buy) of both suits and dresses for our patrons.

Spurling  www.spurling.com.au  
Anne Marie and Mr John, www.annamariebridal.com 
Lords www.lordsformalwear.com.au
Ferrari  www.ferrariformalhire.com.au  

Hills in Hollywood at Tingalpa and Bald Hills are also offering 10% discounts on dresses www.hillsinhollywood.com. 

Gents
The committee are looking for a” high standard” of dress that aligns more with the black and white theme of formal. They have found that patrons in general are disappointed if the dress standard goes down. In saying that, if someone has on a white shirt, black trousers and any colour bow tie we would prefer that to somebody in a grey lounge suit with a long tie. We do not insist on the black coat due to the climate and our cloakroom being inundated but we find that 80% of the males like wearing the coat anyway.

Ladies
This is usually not a problem as girls enjoy dressing up. Once again feel free to be creative but stay classy.

Drinks - All included in price

These are subject to change and usually locked in early December.

Spirits	Beer
Rum and cola Rum, dry and lime   Scotch and cola Scotch and dry  Bourbon and coke Vodka and pash Smirnoff red	XXXX Gold  Tooheys extra dry  Harn Light
Wines
Hardy’s Houghton's champagne                                                                                     Hardy's Red and White Wines

Water, Softdrink (Coke & Lemon) and Orange juice will also be available

Responsible service of alcohol is here to stay. Barstaff are now liable for huge fines if they serve “overly intoxicated” patrons. If there is any doubt our bar staff have been instructed to offer water instead which you would most likely be appreciative of the next day. We are out to offer great value and a full on party, within the licensing guidlines.

Proud sponsors include Bundy Rum from the Diageo Group, the XXXX Group, Hardy's Wines and Houghtons Champagnes.

Patrons get presented with our popular "Glassy Holder". All drinks are in cans except for wine and champagne. The holder is a great safeguard against drink spiking as well.