It’s going to be hard to top yesterday’s event at the Ivy, with the staff from all Sydney and NSW venues as well as Vic team members treated to an exclusive festival experience with more music, (free) drinks, and tasty food than most partygoers would be able to fit into a year.
With around 4,500 people in attendance decked out in their most vibrant and out-there outfits, the Ivy Precinct exploded with colour and energy. Music-wise we were just as looked after, dancefloors all across the complex heaving to sets from the likes of Joyride, Shantan Wantan Ichiban and Merivale’s own Nick van Tiel with Lucy Lucy, before headliners Flight Facilities took to the stage for what was one of their most emphatic performances to date (trust us, we’ve seen a lot!). That’s on top of roaming LED and mirror ball performers, which gave the party a real festival feel, and a show from legendary drag queen Jimi The Kween.
Upstairs the energy was just as high, a packed Poolclub raging on into the night as local legends like Pat Stevenson jumped behind the decks for some house and disco-filled sets, while underground legends like Mincy and Ahju lit up the downstairs change room with plenty of baseline, breakbeat and drum and bass. Everywhere you turned there was a larger than life Ivy staffer losing themselves to the night, so much so that we forgot we were partying on a Monday.
Keeping our tummies full as we enjoyed the flowing open bar were Ms G’s cheeseburger spring rolls, Vinnie’s Pizza and more. To be honest you couldn’t ask from more for a staff party, and we’re still coming to terms with what was so far one of the highlights of 2022. Check out the gallery above for all of the action!