Bingo raving mad
The Hoff’s calling the numbers, you could win a Porsche and there’s an OAP dancing on the table next to you. Welcome to the bingo ‘rave’ phenomenon taking the country by storm
IT’S 6PM ON A THURSDAY IN
Liverpool and a large queue is forming outside an industrial-looking building. At a glance, you’d think a world-famous DJ was booked to perform but, on closer inspection, the mix of people will confuse the bejesus out of you. There are groups of hen dos sheltering their fake tans under umbrellas, middle-aged men in Slipknot T-shirts, sensibly dressed professionals on work nights out and three generations of some families. And they’ve all arrived two hours early to ensure front-row seats at the biggest party around: Bongo’s Bingo.
Nope, it’s not UKIP shorthand for a small African country but the hottest night out sweeping the nation. The event has been selling out concert halls faster than you can shout ‘two fat ladies’ and I’ve come to Liverpool to find out why. Fresh off the train from London (which is one of the only major UK cities yet to host the night) I join the queue.
To me, bingo has always seemed like a rather dull, sober affair. I’d sooner clean my oven than spend two hours quietly studying numbers in the hope of winning an Argos voucher. But I quickly realise there’s nothing sober about this themed club night. And there’s a holiday to the