A great night for the Great Gatsby
The feathers were flying, the sequins sparkled, the boas were bold, and the bubbles flowed like a proper soirée - as 'The Roaring Twenties' were celebrated at Arvida Waimea Plains community in Nelson.
After several months of planning, it was a night of glamour, elegance and fun as the Great Gatsby cabaret evening had everyone enjoying the spirit of the era with music and dancing.
The residents of Arvida Waimea Plains and their friends went to great lengths to dress up in their best Gatsby-inspired attire, showcasing a splendid array of vintage fashion.
“It’s not too difficult to find costumes from that era either online or locally. I think it’s about the finer details that really make it all come together, like the efforts on the floral arrangements and table decorations,” Chief organiser, Rosie Ross explained.
The resident-led initiative saw a dedicated support crew transform their village clubhouse into a scene straight out of a Fitzgerald novel.
“At 91, Jan Mcilwraith is our oldest resident and she was one of the first to get a ticket, sort her outfit and said she couldn't wait for it as it was just up her alley. She was often on the dance floor that night and it's that kind of fun that makes running an event like this absolutely worth the effort,” Rosie said.
The evening’s entertainment was provided by locals - The Paradise Band, who performed a selection of music from the era - with more than enough opportunity to do The Charleston.
With the success of the event, there is already talk of making it an annual celebration. The magic of Gatsby continues to inspire… 100 years later!
