Mardi Gras Glamour Bar - Bobby Goldsmith Foundation

Reviews, By Jody Ekert, 4th March, 2008

This year I was lucky enough to score tickets to the Glamour Bar. I’ll admit I was a little confused as to what exactly the Glamour Bar was. I knew it was a BGF fundraiser and I knew it had free drinks involved and that was all it took for me to be there with bells on. Or glitter, as the case may be!

It was easy to find the entrance – our tickets had a great little map. Walking in felt like something special – a whole host of black t-shirted folk lined the entrance – slapping wrist bands on, and handing out little dinner boxes and pressing cocktails into our hands.

We wandered around trying to find somewhere to eat our dinner and put our coats, but there was no seating, and the tables were all taken. This was where my night probably started going a little askew. I found a corner to tuck the coat in, downed the cocktail and tried to eat the food – but it was a bit difficult standing up and being nudged around by the crowds. A tiny rice paper roll, chicken leg and quiche were in my pack – and boy do I wish I’d actually eaten them, because before you know it I was back for more of the drinks.

A few beverages in I realised there was a make up stand right near the front entrance, with lovely boys and gals from MAC doing great Mardi Gras make-up. I hopped in that line and made a million new friends while we all waited. Everyone was very chilled and relaxed, and I happily passed the time chatting.

With my glittered face it was back for more drinks before the parade began. There had been just the right amount of tickets sold – almost all of us could be right at the parade barricade, making it the perfect location to be spotted by friends marching – so a steady stream of people ran over our way for hugs and kisses. Lovely.

I was a little under the weather and did enquire about seating a one point. And I wasn’t the only one – a couple of the black t-shirt brigade were on hand to explain how it all worked – the up shot being we couldn’t mix with the seated section. I did try and bribe my way in with free drinks but the volunteers were dedicated to the cause of keeping us drunks separate from the BGF Glamstand patrons with their seats. The Glamstand people on the other hand were very jealous of us with our drinks and food and free makeup.

About here it gets a little fuzzy. Those lovely folk on the bar kept the drinks flowing a little too well. The only trouble was at one point they ran out of cups – and you could only get a drink if you kept your cup. No problem there. I spotted a few folk grabbing them from the ground and giving them a bit of a rinse! But soon the issue was sorted and the parade continued and more cups were found.

Of course I’d better review the toilets. They are a vital part of a successful Mardi Gras. Well, I think that was worth the cost alone. Hardly any lines, and they were in pretty good shape until right near the end of the evening. The GF did wonder where Kenny was when needed, and he couldn’t be found to replace some more loo paper once the parade finished, but by then we were heading out into the night.

Overall I think the Glamour Bar was fabulous. My only gripes are minor – lets provide somewhere to eat your food or please just ditch the picnic boxes and ramp up the canapes so we can eat standing up without worrying about juggling drinks and the boxes. Possibly they should think of some middle option that mixes reserved seating, plus free drinks and food. I’m sure they’d make a fortune.

I’ll end with a big shout out to the helpers of the evening. I’m not sure if they were all volunteers, but whoever the black t-shirters were – behind the bar, on the gates, handing out food – they were all wonderful. Polite, smiling, helpful… without them Glamour Bar would not have been such a success!

For all things Mardi Gras check out our Mardi Gras All About page right here.