Best of British: Keeping an Eye on the Ball
Rumor has it that the British Ball got started following a drunken conversation in Tiananmen Square a decade ago. We asked Vice-Chair Martin Budzinski what we can expect from the event in 2011.
We hear the theme is “A Day at the Races.” Explain to non-Brits what that means.
Think Ascot/Grand National/Gold Cup. Royalty and sheiks and horses ridden by colorful pint-sized men thrashing away with whips! Money. Tiaras. Hats. Champagne.
Non-Brits can think Kentucky Derby, Happy Valley races and the Melbourne Cup. We are not a fancy dress event; there is a formal dress code. The venue will be in the spirit of the theme, but if you are wearing a top hat or colorful ladies’ hat looking like a ball of fruit, I won't stop you.
What are you hoping for this year?
To make survivors’ breakfast. Seriously, to raise over RMB 200,000 for the charities whilst people have a great time seeing how much fun Brits can be.
Do the English, Welsh and Scots get on well enough to have a good time?
We've managed to put up with each other for a few hundred years, so we ought to be able to cope for one more night to avoid deportation or rioting!
Who has the biggest and best balls in Beijing?
Some will say the Irish Ball is maybe the biggest. The Aussies and Americans have a good set of balls too, but we feel this year the British Ball will be the best.
Are people impressed by your balls?
Around 500 people usually seem to be!
How do Beijing’s balls compare to other cities’ balls?
The best variety of balls are in Beijing.
Why should we come?
To relieve stress. Also because it’s fun to enjoy free-flow booze whilst doing something good for society for a change!
If you can only afford to go to one ball a year, why the British Ball?
Great fun and value for money. There aren’t many events you can go to for GBP 100 (RMB 1,000) that have food, live music and free-flow booze from 6.30pm to 4am – and all for a good cause.
The British Ball will take place at the Kerry Centre Hotel on Nov 12. Email britishball@gmail.com or visit www.britishball.org.cn to book tickets.
Photo: Whatshewears.ie
