Wild Fruit presents two very special events this December: its annual HIV/AIDS charity fundraiser the ‘Red Party’ and the ‘Black & White Party’, which this year takes over the stunning Royal Pavilion Gardens in Brighton. Promoter Paul Kemp explains all…
You have two parties on over the coming weeks: Red Party and the Black and White Party. I love the simplicity of theme! Tell us about the Red Party first… it’s a big charity do that’s been going for years, right?
Yeah, that’s right, in fact this year is our 19th Red Party… I clearly started when I was a teenager! I’m pleased to say each one gets bigger and better. Our theme this year is ‘Circus of the Absurd’ and all of Brighton’s venues and business like Revenge, Charles St, Legends and the Amsterdam are supporting the event to help us raise the maximum amount possible for charity.
Tell us about the charity that the money goes to?
As with all our previous Red Parties, 100% of the profits go to charity. Over the years we have raised over £129,000 from all our fundraising efforts for charities like the Sussex Beacon and Pride, and this year the recipient is the Rainbow Fund which benefits the whole of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community in Brighton & Hove.
We’re kicking off with an ultra stylish VIP party at the all new Hed Kandi on West Street hosted by Jodie Harsh with Brighton’s Dulcie Danger and Yusuf Sebaiti on the decks. Then after we move over the road to the gorgeous Oceana for the main party. After his fantastic debut with us at last year’s Pride, we are really pleased that Thomas Gandy (Cagebaby) is back on the decks, along with Fat Tony, De Puta Madre and loads of others. We also have some fantastically ‘Circus of the Absurd’ performers like the amazing latex-clad Marnie Scarlet Diva, freaky trannies Chrissy Darling, Twiggy and Daniel Lismore, vocals from the brilliant Krysten Cummings, red hot gogo sluts and a plethora of exotic hosts including Dolly Rocket, and our very own original host Mama Yvette back for this special event.
And now the Black & White Christmas Extravaganza! We hear there’s ice skating and full-on cabaret entertainment?
Ooh you’re very well informed… have you bugged our offices? You’re absolutely right though, after our sold out Black & White Ball at Stanmer House a couple of years ago, this year we are taking over Brighton’s iconic Royal Pavilion Gardens for a full-on evening of fun, frolics and entertainment. We have access to the open skating session on the ice rink, and we have a sumptuous three course dinner with wine and coffee, and with large tables you can either get together with all your mates and book a table, or just book a table for two. At 8pm we have cabaret from The Sundae’s, Priscilla’s Wez Sebastian, award winning comedy chanteuse Miss Hope Springs, London’s very own Mz Kimberley and more. To top it all off there’s DJs and dancing ‘til late and for those that just can’t stop we have free passes to the Kinky Dangerous after party at Revenge. As you can see, there are loads of choices available and something for everyone, and we have tried to price it accordingly so people can choose their ideal package.
Why should Londoners make the trip to Brighton for this?
We love putting on great parties that are a little bit different, and I’m sure you’ll agree both of these events are something special. The Red Party is a real community effort with the support of all the local businesses. It’s really cool to get everyone working together and collaborating for a good cause, and the Black & White Christmas Extravaganza is truly unique. The venue looks absolutely amazing with the ice rink, marquees, décor and stunning lighting and the performer line up we have will really appeal to everyone who likes a bit of fun. I think both parties will produce a great atmosphere and will really kick off the festive fun.
• The Red Party: Oceana (Kings West, West Street, East Sussex, BN1 2RE) on Sunday 4th December, 10pm-late. VIP pre-party at Hed Kandi bar from 8pm. Advance tickets available from Prowler, Nice & Naughty, Charles St, Dr Brighton’s.
• The Black & White Party: Royal Pavilion Gardens, on Saturday 10th December from 6pm. Dinner & Party – £45. Club only – £10. Ice skating – £13. Booking 07530 524 964 and www.aeonevents.clubtickets.com
