“Good evening everybody and welcome to my little soiree.” Said Duncan MacLarty, known on the 31st of December 2013, more accurately, as Mr Gatsby.
“I’ll tell you God’s truth, God’s truth about myself. I was born the son of two very wealthy people and I have lived in every major capital in all of Europe. I’ve collected jewels in Guatemala, and hunted big game up in Northern Kenya – I’ve even done some painting in between. And then came the war, old sport, where every allied government handed me the highest declarations.”
Apart from the blue eyes and a few minor details, Duncs had it nailed! – Photograph of Duncan by Caitlin Fay Smith and of Leonardo Di Caprio compliments of Google
“Some people call me a sinner, some people call me a saint, some have called me their saviour and recently I have had the reputation of the finest bootlegger in town. Now, I can neither confirm nor deny these things, but tonight none of that matters. Tonight only one thing is important, one thing and one thing only and that is that you and I have ourselves a good time!”
These were the opening lines of an incredibly stylish New Year’s evening filled with fun, laughter and love, Gatsby style….And what a good time we had! Traditionally, Londolozi has held a themed evening on the Varty Deck for guests and staff alike to celebrate the new year and this year was no different.
To set the scene of the 20’s theme, the welcome station and bar were set up ‘Prohibition’ style with bottles in paper bags, a Royal Enfield bike and the bar area known as ‘The Blind Tiger’.
Prohibition in full swing – Photographed by Rich Laburn
Wine Barrels and empty bubbly bottles were a favourite! -Photographed by Rich Laburn
Royal Enfield as one of the favourite props! Photographed by Rich Laburn
The Blind Tiger was a name often given to bars set up during the prohibition era where they would have to find an excuse to invite people into the bar. They would have an animal (usually a pig or tiger) on show in order for them to charge people to enter and then giving out ‘free’ alcoholic cocktails. – Photographed by Catlin Fay Smith
Barman Jeremy making sure that ‘The Blind Tiger’ was fully stocked and looking good. – Photographed by Catlin Fay Smith
The ‘illegal’ welcome drinks for all to enjoy! – Photographed by Rich Laburn
As guests made their way through the speakeasy with an ‘illegal’ drink in hand they were welcomed by the Gatsby style eating area and enjoyed the evening with a five course meal and flowing wine!
The incredibly stylish Gatsby setup. – Photographed by Catlin Fay Smith
Fairy lights and feathers adding to the theme – Photographed by Rich Laburn
This was the trellis that separated the Prohibitionists from the Stylish Gatsbys – Photographed by Rich Laburn
Designed and built by our artist in residence, Simon Max Bannister – Photographed by Rich Laburn
Even our guests managed to don a touch of 20’s to fit in with the theme, there were fascinators, feather bowers and bow ties all round – Photographed by Caitlin Fay
The pre-dinner setup. Photograhed by Rich Laburn
Four long tables to accommodate the 93 guests that enjoyed the evening – Photographed by Rich Laburn
As dinner was served, the evening kicked into full ‘swing’ – Photographed by Catlin Fay Smith
If you were none the wiser, you would assume that some of the cast of ‘The Great Gatsby’ had joined us for the evening of celebration.
Jess, Jess and Nadia doing it Gatsby style, or is it Jordan, Catherine and Myrtle?! – Photographed by Catlin Fay Smith
How did Daisy Buchanan get here?! – Photographed by Catlin Fay Smith
Jess going ‘undercover’ at the Blind Tiger – Photographed by Caitlin Fay Smith
The Gatsby team. Who suits which character in the movie?! – Photographed by Caitlin Fay Smith
Of course, what would a New Year’s Eve at Londolozi be without a photo booth to preserve the memories. Here is a 90 second snapshot of the festivities throughout the evening:
After good food had been consumed, enough photos had been taken and everyone was feeling festive, the dance floor was opened and the Prohibition side of the night took over as we danced into 2014.
Happy New Year to all our family, friends and partners around the world. May 2014 be a truly sensational year for all of you. We would love to hear what each of you did for your New Year’s Eve, let us know in the comments section below!
Celebrated our 53rd wedding anniversary Christmas Day, watched an ice hockey game, looked at our pictures of Londolozi we took in March & finally, I dreamed of my return in September. All in all, a good night. A very Happy Healthy New Year to all in Heaven on Earth–Londolozi!
Wow wow wow!! Nothing I did would have been anything like this. What a magical time you all must have had. We don’t ever see the inside of Londolozi as its the animals that come first, so this is a treat to have an inside peek at your beautiful interior, THANK YOU! The tables, decorations & guests looked absolutely stunning, indeed everyone had a rip roaring time.
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL AT LONDOLOZI and look forward with excitement to your blogs.
Wow what a great night Londolozi you always do everything with such style. The photos were amazing and it was great to see familiar faces. We were lucky enough to have visited you in October and had one of the best experiences of our lives. Hope you all enjoy 2014, may it bring you all good health and happiness. May be one day we will be lucky enough to return and visit your beautiful part of the world.
Diana and John Goss.
Looks fabulous and super fun!!! Lots of love to the entire Team at Londolozi from all of us at SUJAN and we hope to see you here this year!!
Wishing all at Londolozi Love, light and peace for the years ahead…Your New Year party as always had such class and looked great, the ones I remember at Londolozi were also great, and very special..
Mine was very different and special with my family in Rotorua New Zealand, The Hobbit land where ther sun hits first everyday, very special, but I still miss the wonderful bush and vibe of Londolozi, may your magic always be there.
Regards to all,
Di Riddel
Oh my goodness what a party!! On my bucket list New Year at Londolozi! Duncs, Leonardo can eat his heart out?? Nadia stunning! One day
Oh my goodness what a party!! On my bucket list New Year at Londolozi! Duncs, Leonardo can eat his heart out?? Nadia stunning! One day!
Thank you Jane. finally somebody who agrees with me. Everybody else has been foolishly comparing me to Leonardo……..Surely it’s the other way around?
Phoebe and I just watched that on slooowww, awesome times. Happy New Year, Londo family!!! xxoo
Oh you stylish cats you!
So much fun and glamour, wrapped in Londolozi Love…
…sorry, Leo who??
X X X X X from Zuka!
beautiful!
Wow! I can see you all learnt a thing or two from Bron and Rich’ wedding?? Or was it Flower?
What a beautiful stage setting.
Sorry Duncs but I am still seeing John Cleese !
You gals all look gorgeous! Jess, Jess Nads!
Happy 2014!!!!!!!