Still in the festive season, Georgetown will come alive on Saturday night as persons usher in 2012 at various New Year’s Eve events planned by promoters seeking to capitalize on the last big event of 2011.
Stabroek News visited some events’ planners and also sought to catch a glimpse of what boutiques and stores in the city had to offer in terms of outfitting patrons to look the part at the highly anticipated galas.
Of all the places checked, the Pegasus Hotel had the priciest tag attached to its “Scarlet Affair” ball which will be held in the Savannah Suite. Patrons are asked to add some aspect of red to their dress to coincide with the theme of the party. Tickets cost $25,000 per person and include drinks, a buffet dinner, a glass of champagne at midnight and live music supplied by the Majestic’s Band. Free masks, horns and beads will be given upon entrance.
The Pegasus Poolside will also have a party for which an entrance fee of $4,000 will be charged.
The Princess Hotel also has a ball which will cost US$90 or $18,000 per person. Manager Nadine Hing informed that this event is specially geared for “upscale patrons” and the sophisticated at heart. The ball will be held in the ballroom of the hotel and the $18,000 price tag entitles patrons to guest performances by the Classique Dance Company, a Russian dance troupe, a fireworks display at midnight and an all-you-can-eat-and-drink table and bar.
At that hotel’s poolside Jamaican artistes Konshens and Alaine will be performing live and tickets for that event cost $5,000 until Friday, after which the price will double. If persons do not get a chance to purchase the early bird tickets they may also opt for another ticket which costs $15,000 and includes dinner.
Across at Hotel Tower “Don’t love me later” singer Christopher Martin is billed to perform at the poolside. Martin’s performance can be accessed at the poolside alone for $5,000 or with an Edge Night Club all-inclusive ticket for an $8000 bundle. Sandy Artmadeo explained that at 12 am there will be a balloon drop where party revellers will earn prizes ranging from free drinks to one month’s membership at the club and the hotel’s gym.
The Hits and Jams annual Night of Elegance will be held at the same location like last year – the Promenade Gardens and promoter Sarah Savory said guests will be treated this year to a live performance by R&B singer Omarion for a $4,000 fee. Savory noted the seasonal inclement weather and informed that this was taken into consideration, hence tents will be provided should Mother Nature step in to dampen the partying patrons.
The Guyana Defence Force (GDF) and the Guyana Police Force (GPF) also have events planned for New Year’s Eve. GPF Public Relations Officer, Ivelaw Whittaker, said that works are currently underway in preparation for the anticipated large crowd at the GPF’s Old Year’s Night Ball which will be held at the Officer’s Mess Hall, Eve Leary. Tickets cost $16,000 per couple and include dinner, breakfast on New Year’s morning; hats, whistles and other party paraphernalia. Patrons will be entertained by the Mingles Sound Machine and Stereo Sonics.
At the GDF there are two events one for senior officers and the other for junior ranks. Civilians will have to be accompanied by an officer to gain access to the army’s festivities. The reason, explained by a senior army officer, was that should there be any fights or ill behaviour by a civilian, that army officer will be held responsible for the civilian. Costs for these events are $9,000 and $6,000 per person respectively.
Boutiques
Meanwhile, yesterday saw shoppers coming out in search of the perfect outfit to suit the night. Boutiques across the city were packed with mostly women searching for the perfect dress, shoe or handbag. At accessory stands and in stores many were seen matching fabric, shoe or purse with earrings or necklaces.
Dresses for the evening ranged from $4,500 for mass-produced Chinese replicas of designer dresses, sold in most stores or on the pavement and Vendor’s Arcade, to up to $85,000 for what one store said is an authentic Vera Wang dress. Ladies can find readily available dresses at Clairan’s, John Lewis Styles, Exclusive Styles, Giftland Office Max, Dhoray’s and stores on the second and third floors of the City Mall.
Women with some time to invest might find great deals on brand name evening clothing and shoes both for men and women inside Bourda Market.
Shoes in some stores cost more than evening dresses and Stabroek News was told it was because they carried brand names such as Jessica Simpson, Calvin Klein, Kenneth Cole or Steve Madden among others. One platform shoe with the Jessica Simpson brand was quoted at US$220 and that was on the lower end.
Men can rent a suit or tuxedo from Herman and Sons on Lombard Street but a $15,000 or more deposit is required. They may also purchase shirts and ties from garment stores on Regent Street such as Shopper’s Paradise, SN Singh and Sons and Sookraj and Sons. Dress pants, matching belts and shoes are available at Fogarty’s, Exclusive Styles, Colours Boutique, Guyana Stores and the many men’s stores in the City Mall.
Whatever their budget persons have a myriad of partying events to choose from as well as clothing and accessories.
