This year's Pride after-party will be held in conjunction with Connections Nightclub, with the venue expanded to more than twice its capacity for the event.
Co-President Baietta said Pride had decided to hold the party in partnership with
Connections because the organisation could not afford a repeat of the
huge loss the event recorded last year.
"We can’t afford to take that risk this year, however we still want
to create an event that brings our community together at the end of
Pride month," he said.
"We understand that people want the parties from 10 years ago,
however the cost to put these on and the lack of available venues in
Perth really do make it risky and difficult.
"If we can deliver something great with the constraints of our
resources and really get Pride back on its feet who knows what the
possibilities are for the future."
Mr Baeitta told GAYinWA that given the options, the committee had chosen to accept a proposal to stage the party from Connections that avoided any financial risk to Pride.
"For Pride, this is a time where going out on a limb and competing with
our own local gay and lesbian nightclub doesn’t make sense," he said.
"Connections
has a long running history with the gay and lesbian community in Perth
and Tim Brown understands the importance of Pride and its mission."
Mr Baietta said talks were also held with the Court, which traditionally draws a huge crowd on Pride night.
"Discussions have been had with The Court, who continue to support Pride
in other ways, for example by sponsoring our theatre season," he said.
"Focusing
on one event was a little easier given the time that we had this year
to stage our events."
Pride hopes the community will get behind the official party, which will feature three spaces, including an outdoor area downstairs, nine DJs, shows and a "very special guest".
"We will see everyone come together for
a fabulous parade after party," Mr Baietta said.
"It’s not a new concept to have the Pride
Party at an established venue and we believe that it’s the people who
attend and the small details which make a Pride Party a Pride Party,
and we certainly aim to please in 2008."
Special guest DJ for the party will be Sydney's Kate Monroe, star of
this year's Mardi Gras Harbour Party and a highlight of the 1994 Perth
Pride party at the late lamented Boan's warehouse.
Mr Baietta would not be drawn on the identity of the special guest advertised as a highlight of the party.
Tickets to the official after party will be $25 for Pride members $30 for non members pre-sale only until midnight on 24 October, then $30 on the day of the event and for the first hour of the party. Thereafter they will be $35 to all comers.
Pride will receive part proceeds from tickets, which will be on sale soon.
Comments (3)
Fingers Crossed written by Fed Up., September 12, 2008 - 7:23:55 pm CDT
Lets hope that Connections can pull it off! But the way things wnet with the Madonna Tribute Night, the blacked out Hunk and the bad music and dwindling crowds. I'm not hopeful.
After Party written by Grant Sutherland, September 15, 2008 - 5:29:13 am CDT
Let's hope that Connections have different security staff than the usual Saturday staff. If not I would really think twice about going.
Come on! written by Cranky, September 26, 2008 - 8:58:39 am CDT
At least Connections is helping to raise money for Pride. The Court isn't giving Pride one cent from the thousands they will make from their "non-official" Pride Party.
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written by Fed Up., September 12, 2008 - 7:23:55 pm CDT
Lets hope that Connections can pull it off!
But the way things wnet with the Madonna Tribute Night, the blacked out Hunk and the bad music and dwindling crowds.
I'm not hopeful.
written by Grant Sutherland, September 15, 2008 - 5:29:13 am CDT
Let's hope that Connections have different security staff than the usual Saturday staff. If not I would really think twice about going.
written by Cranky, September 26, 2008 - 8:58:39 am CDT
At least Connections is helping to raise money for Pride. The Court isn't giving Pride one cent from the thousands they will make from their "non-official" Pride Party.