The Seahorse Society of N.S.W. Inc. Drums of the Islands Ball
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Ball enquiries: ball@seahorsesoc.org
Invitation
The Seahorse Society Committee wish to extend an invitation to you to join us for this year's Seahorse Ball.
We have been asked many questions ranging from "Why do we have this event at the Mercure Sydney Airport Hotel every year?" to "What actually happens on the day of the Ball?" and "Are there any other activities available during the weekend?" We will now endeavour to answer these and other pertinent questions.
When and where is it on?
Saturday August 18th 2012 at the Mercure Sydney Airport Hotel, 20 Levey St
Wolli Creek, NSW, 2205. Location details.
Why the Mercure Sydney Airport Hotel?
This is our 9th Ball and the last seven have been held at the Mercure Airport Hotel. We choose this venue again for the following reasons:
The hotel features a large Ball room, with up to 200-seat capacity, as well as having other rooms and bars to which we have access. It also has the usual features that you would come to expect to find at a hotel of this standard, including a swimming pool, tennis courts, squash courts, a gym and extensive on-site car parking.
We believe there are only three other venues left in Sydney that are able to offer ballroom facilities of the standard provided by the Mercure. The other venues are significantly more expensive.
The quality of service and meals that we receive is excellent, as you would be expecting from any international hotel of this standard.
We receive a very reasonable corporate rate for our guests' accommodation (details below).
The Mercure is located adjacent to Sydney Airport, which makes it an ideal location for those attending from interstate and overseas. Do not worry, plane noise is not a problem. The hotel provides a shuttle service to and from the airport, thus taking a lot of the difficulty out of getting there.
The Mercure is only 15 to 20 minutes from the Sydney CBD. Shopping trips to the CBD and surrounding districts, such as Newtown, Surry Hills and Darling Harbour, as well as access to the night spots of Kings Cross, Oxford St., and Newtown are a breeze.
The large car park is a bonus for Sydney locals who are attending the Ball.
The hotel staff are very accepting and helpful. This is an ideal opportunity to spend your whole stay there in the gender mode of your choice. What more could you ask?
What actually happens?
Friday night
While the Ball itself is on Saturday night, 19th of August, the actual celebrations and social events begin on the Friday night. This includes a get-together dinner at the hotel, where we have a wide choice of meals in both style and price. This is open not only to our guests staying in the hotel, but also for members, families and friends who live in the Sydney area and would like to attend. Typically, we have around 40 to 50 people attending this dinner, so bookings are preferred to enable the hotel to provide appropriate seating arrangements.
Saturday daytime
On Saturday, usually during breakfast, shopping trips are organised. Groups then head off in various directions to the shopping areas of their choice. Others go out for sightseeing trips or simply choose to hang around the hotel and enjoy the chance to relax and prepare themselves for the night ahead. Make-up services are available at the Hotel from about 2.00pm, with a room provided free by the hotel. Further details of these will be available shortly. Additionally, some of our sponsors make themselves available during the afternoon for those last minute purchases.
Saturday night
On Saturday Night at 7pm the Ball begins with a cocktail party in the foyer directly outside the Ball room. During this time ticket registration takes place and champagne and finger food are served. Live background music is provided. The Ballroom doors open at 7.45pm and our hostesses escort everyone to their tables.
The Ball officially begins at 8.00pm. A short dance bracket and music presentation sets the mood and theme for the rest of the night. This is followed by the official welcoming and cutting of the Birthday Cake. We then move directly on to the three-course dinner.
The courses are alternate servings. Special meals are available for those with specific dietary requirements. Please advise us of any special dietary needs when you book.
Following the main course, at about 9.30pm, the band takes to the stage for the second dance bracket. This is then followed by the Cabaret Floor Show featuring Peter Paki and Davidia.
At about 10.30pm we pause again for sweets and short break. This is an ideal time to catch up with friends and have a good "chin-wag". The music and dancing then continues almost non-stop with the band and the disco alternating their music brackets along with some special spots performed by our resident drag queens.
Raffle prizes, which have been generously donated by our sponsors, are then drawn.
No ball would be complete without a parade to choose the "Belle of the Ball". This takes place at about 12.30am when we crown both the Prince and Princess of the Seahorse Ball for 2012.
The Ball concludes with a final dance bracket and closes at 1.00am Sunday morning.
But wait... there's more! The celebrations continue into the "wee small hours" of the morning. Guests are invited to use the bar adjacent the Ball room for an after-Ball "chill out" with fine company, good conversation and bar refreshments.
For those who are still in a party mood, the Taxi Club will be remaining open until about 5am. Taxis to the club are readily available for those who want to make a full night of it.
Sunday morning
Those who are able to rouse themselves, plus any who are "still standing", along with anyone who would like to drop back to the hotel, all meet up in the private dining room for breakfast. This is usually around 10.00am, although it often runs all morning.
The hotel kindly provides a late check-out at 2.00 pm for those guests staying in-house.
What does it cost?
The ball ticket price is $130 per person. This includes cocktail party drinks and canapes, a three-course table-service meal, and all of the evening's entertainment. There are also two complimentary bottles of wine on each table. A service bar is provided within the ball room and prices are comparable to normal hotel prices.
A photographer will be in attendance during the night. Photos will be available for purchase at the ball after midnight. The cost of prints is $10 each.
What about accommodation costs?
Those attending the Ball, and who stay at the Mercure, can receive a corporate discount rate on their room.
Single bed and breakfast room (1 person): $179 per night
Double bed and breakfast room (2 people): $189 per night
These are a considerable saving on the Mercure's normal daily room rates. The hotel is also offering a special weekend rate on application when booking. To receive the corporate rate, you must ring the hotel direct when making a booking and advise them that you are attending the Seahorse Ball.
What do I wear?
This is a formal night of Glam and Glitz. There are no hard and fast dress rules, as long as what you wear is respectable. Most people choose evening gowns or formal wear. Costume wear and personal creations are also popular.
Who is invited?
In a nutshell: everyone!
In the past, the Ball was mainly for those who identified in the trans-community, together with their families and friends. It now encompasses people from all areas of the community and all walks of life, both young and "mature aged". You do not have to be a member of any particular group (trans, LGBT, etc.) to attend. Everyone is welcome.
All we ask is that you come along with a free and open mind to join with to celebrate the diversity and beauty of our community. This is an opportunity to celebrate "who we are" while in great company, and in a relaxed and safe party atmosphere.
Conditions of Entry
Your ticket is not valid until paid for in full and duly receipted.
An appropriate standard of dress must be maintained at all times.
Inappropriate or offensive language is not permitted.
Inappropriate or unsolicited advances of a sexual or other nature to other guests are not permitted.
Taking photographs is permitted, but only with the permission of the person(s) being photographed.
Taking illicit drugs is not permitted.
Anyone found to be contravening these conditions or behaving in an inappropriate manner will be asked to cease immediately. If they continue to contravene these conditions, they will be required to leave the function immediately.
Please remember: ALL Seahorse NSW functions are family-friendly.
Please join us on the 18th August for a great night.
Ball Quick Links
Use this menu to navigate the Ball pages:
Ball enquiries: ball@seahorsesoc.org
Joining the Seahorse Society
If you are a cross-dresser residing in NSW and would like to have contact with other cross-dressers, then consider joining the Seahorse Society.
We have regular monthly meetings, other social events and the famous Seahorse Ball each year. More importantly, we offer support and guidance to fellow cross-dressers and their partners and families.
Apply for membership on-line:
This month's Seahorse meetings
Friday 18th May: Committee Meeting.
Friday 25th May: Social Meeting. Includes the Annual General Meeting..
More Seahorse events:
The Seahorse Forum
We have an on-line forum open to members and non-member guests. You can discuss a range of topics about cross-dressing and related subjects, and make email contact with fellow members.
To access the Forum:
Partners & Family Support Meetings
Are you a partner, relative or you have a an association with a cross-dresser and would like to meet with to give and receive support from other partners and friends?
