Dressing up for the masquerade ball
Horowhenua’s classiest winter event is back, with the Manakau Hall to be brought to life with the tunes of swing and jazz.
In Vogue in the Village will this year be held on Saturday August 18. The theme for the event is Masquerade in Manakau, with attendees expected to dress in all their finery.
The Andrew London Trio of Otaki ¯ is the main act.
It is the second annual In Vogue in the Village, after the event debuted last year at the Mangaore Hall in Shannon. The concept for the event is that it circulates around the District, popping up in a different country hall each year.
Organiser Kristy McGregor says the event provides a night for the community to get together — and a rare opportunity to dress up.
“What was really special about last year’s event was the way it brought people from across the district together, the atmosphere that can be created in a little hall, and the conversations that were struck up — over homemade outfits and borrowed wardrobes.
“It’s deliberately glamorous and certainly not a usual Saturday night out in the Horowhenua, but that uniqueness makes it all the more special.” Kristy says.
The event is presented in association with the Manakau School, Manakau and District Community Association and the Manakau Bowling and Sports Club.
Manakau School Principal Deb Logan says the school is delighted to be involved in an event that really celebrates the best in Manakau.
“As a country school in a small village, we’re delighted to be part of the wider community through initiatives such as this. While the school utilises the hall regularly it’s great to see it being used for other community events, particularly one as colourful as this.”
This year’s event is supported by Creative NZ through Horowhenua District Council’s Creative Communities Scheme, an acknowledgement of the role of dance, theatre and music as an important cultural activity for the District.
Included within their ticket, guests can expect a cocktail on arrival, followed by gourmet canapes and a noodle box supper. Tickets are available from the Manakau School Office or online at nzrtickets.net.nz. There are limited tickets available so organisers encourage people keen to attend to get in quick.