How to Throw a Party

Around five years ago, I felt a gap in the festivities at Labour conference.

Delegates are so busy jumping from event to event, it’s exhausting – but at the end of the evening we all like to let our hair down.

But nothing at Conference was ever quite my brand of authentic party and I wondered if others felt the same.

Fast forward five years, and my Jamaican party is arguably one of the most popular events, with queues of people waiting to get in.

The key to my successful party is very simply authenticity and love: “Out of many, one people” is the motto of Jamaica – that’s what I strive for.

It doesn’t matter what wing of the party you are on, everyone is welcomed – the lucky first 100 people get a free Jamaican Wray & Nephew rum punch! And the last dancers on the floor get free shots. The leader of the Labour Party normally attends. Although he didn’t come last year, I am sure he will make it this year.

The dance floor is never empty – right to the final song! Every single diversity is represented; it’s a proud moment for me when I’m DJing to see the coming together: pure unity.

People who only communicate – sometimes argue – on social media get together to dance the night away.

There are no long speeches or food, just a good time and definitely a “candy dance”. This is so much fun that I have asked my brother to make me a shot belt as the latest addition to the festivities.

People had their doubts and wondered why I wanted to do this.

I hope that my brand of inclusiveness is catching on; a chance to remember what we are fighting for in a unique way.