PRINCESS CHELSEA’S MIDWINTER BALL
SWORDS AND SORCERY - Fantasy on The Big Screen
with your host TOM SAINSBURY
FRIDAY 18 JULY - WINTERGARDEN, THE CIVIC, AUCKLAND (ALL AGES) *
SATURDAY 19 JULY - WINTERGARDEN, THE CIVIC, AUCKLAND (ALL AGES) **
With special guests
GRECCO ROMANK & GOLDEN AXE *
THE CIRCLING SUN & GOLDEN AXE **
‘The Wintergarden will host many, many more incredible events, but it will never host something like the mesmerising Princess Chelsea and Twin Peaks crossover again’ - Rolling Stone
Due to a feverish demand for a party worth dressing up for, Aucklanders have spoken. They want more! And Princess Chelsea has heeded the call by adding a second Midwinter Ball at the Wintergarden on July 18th with support from Grecco Romank & Golden Axe.
Single night tickets are available now for both shows, and for those wanting to attend BOTH balls, there will soon be an option for a discounted double-night ticket, as well as a Friday add-on option for those who have already purchased Saturday tickets. Watch this space!
In anticipation and celebration of this year’s theme - Lil’ Chief Records and Academy Cinemas present a special screening of Conan The Barbarian on Wednesday July 2nd, with tickets at only $5!
This winter, the Civic Wintergarden (ALL AGES) and Meow Nui (18+) Wellington will be transformed into a world of fantasy! Princess Chelsea’s Midwinter Ball returns, this year with a new theme: SWORDS AND SORCERY - Fantasy on The Big Screen. With your esteemed host comedian Tom Sainsbury, and live performances from Princess Chelsea & The Dream Warriors in both centres, with Auckland guests Grecco Romank (Friday only), The Circling Sun (Saturday only) & Golden Axe (Fri & Sat), while Wellington will be treated to sets from Grecco Romank & Luke Buda.
In the shimmering and VHS-heavy age of the early 1980s, a treasure trove of cinematic fantasy was thrust upon us. Gleaming swords and potent spells in Excalibur, the ethereal beauty and terror of Legend, valiant quests of The Sword and The Sorcerer, Ladyhawke, The Beastmaster, Willow, Dragonslayer, and the mighty & muscular quests of Conan The Barbarian. And let us not forget the timeless enchantments of pure fantasy with The Neverending Story, the delightful Princess Bride, the poignant Last Unicorn, and the unforgettable shape of Labyrinth.
So, brave adventurers, will you join us to celebrate this golden age? How will you dress to impress as visions of enchanted lands and heroic feats conjure a costume fit for fantasy?
Called by many as ‘the show of 2024’, last year’s Twin Peaks themed Midwinter Ball was a revelation, and a dress up party for the ages. A sold out Wintergarden heaved with 650 guests dressed as Log Ladies, Agent Dale Coopers, and even a giant slice of cherry pie… and oh, so much more.
Princess Chelsea and her band The Dream Warriors delighted the audience with a blazing set of originals alongside covers of Julee Cruise, Angelo Badalamenti and In Heaven from Lynch’s Eraserhead. This wild and unforgettable night has been lovingly captured and presented as a four song tribute to David Lynch, due for imminent release.
For 2024’s Twin Peaks-themed ball, no expenses were spared on transforming the venue into the quaint town of Twin Peaks. Decoration which featured lasers, an indoor pine forest, a shrine to Laura Palmer and a replica of the infamous Red Room, we can only expect magic and mystery from 2025’s fantasy- themed ball.
“I’m not giving too much away but obviously we will need a medieval sword fight” - Princess Chelsea
If last year’s ball was anything to go by, I don't think she is joking - and further shenanigans will undoubtedly ensue. Expect the Civic and Meow Nui to be transformed into a world of fantasy.
Earlybird tickets are on sale Friday at 10am. Book your evening, and swan down the red carpet dressed in your favourite fantasy-inspired outfits. Portraits will be taken on the night, and prizes for best dressed.
