Enjoy enchanted evening at mystery spot

The Enchanted Forest Ball will be held in a Sperry tent similar to this. Photo/Heather Lidell

Mystery and surprise are at the heart of a boutique new event to be held in Hawke's Bay on March 31.

The Enchanted Ball will be set in a beautiful location in the stunning sperry tents — however ball goers won't find out the location until the night of the event.

There will be three pick up points, Havelock North, Hastings and Napier. Guests will be collected and driven to the ball and returned at the end of the night — a bit like Cinderella in her coach.

The ball is the brainchild of Etiquette in partnership with The Flagship Events Company and Etiquettes manager Greg Howie says he is really excited about bringing this premier event to the Bay.

"Guests are in for a night of entertainment, dancing, delicious food and wine all set in the beautiful sperry tents with elegant wood finish and enchanting lighting," Greg said.

"It will be nothing like a traditional ball. There will be areas to eat, drink and dance. Food will be available all night — it's not like a formal ball where you have to be seated for a formal dinner but of course you can be seated if you chose."

The ball is in support of the Maraetotara Tree Trust which was formed in 2002 by members of the community with the aim of protecting and restoring the length of the river.

"It's a fantastic cause and it fits the theme of the ball. We need to look after our trees, forests and rivers by growing and planting more trees and by making a donation to the trust it will enable them to do just that."

There will be a silent auction to help raise funds.

Greg, who has worked on some huge events including Hawke's Bay Racing Spring Carnival, Horse of the Year, Road to Rhythm and Vines and the LPGA Tour, says there are some amazing people in Hawke's Bay who help support these events.

"I have no doubt it will be a sell-out. It's a chance for gentlemen to don a tie or put on a suit and for ladies to wear a cocktail dress or a ball gown — it's a great excuse to dress up, go out and have some fun.."

The Avenue — an eight piece band from Wellington, and The Ramblings, a Bay based band, will be playing during the evening and then DJ, Mr Mime, will finish off the evening, playing the classics mixed with visual entertainment.

"There will be music to cater to everyone plus a host of other entertainment — but that's a surprise so I can't say any more," Greg said.

He says they wanted to create an event that would appeal to multi generations — bring your parents and your friends."

"It's not a regimented event so you can mix and mingle, eat when you want to, drink when you want to and dance when you want to.

There will be places to sit and leaners if you prefer to stand."

The night of the ball is also the end of Daylight Savings — "what better way to celebrate the end of summer than to dance the night away with friends and family", Greg said.

Tickets are limited and are selling fast: Go to www.enchantedforestball.co.nz

WIN:
Indulge has two tickets to the enchanted Forest Ball to be held on March 31 to give away.
To be in with a chance to win email competitions@hbtoday.co.nz with enchanted ball in the subject line. Entries close on March 16. Please include a day time phone number.