Historic high-jinks
The recipient of an HK$80 million renovation in 2006, Bethanie House is the perfect place for a historic party. Imagine spinning tunes for 200 of your closest friends in a striking neo-Gothic-style building that looks like it’s been transported straight from France. Built in 1875, this little-known venue has a chapel decked with original furnishings, stunning stained-glass windows, a gallery of apostles and – wait for it – flat-screen TVs that can be used to play music videos.

Often rented out for weddings, it can also accommodate other gatherings, and – for a change – there’s no need to worry about noise ordinances: the location is enveloped in the beautiful hills of Pok Fu Lam. French fashion label Chloé threw a memorable bash there in 2006, projecting its logo on the building as models walked down the aisle inside.

But historic charm doesn’t come cheap: the chapel costs $9,600 for four hours and, if you want to take over the roof terrace as well, add $14,000 (overnight rates are 50 per cent extra). Of course, you’ll still need to hire a DJ (a sound system is in place and included in the cost) and a caterer. If you want to be the perfect host, rent a bus to transport your guests to the venue as it’s not the easiest to get to, although a cab fare from Central shouldn’t be more than $100. See www.hkapa.edu for more information or call Bethanie House on 2584 8633 or 2584 8899 for venue booking.

Pop-up
If you have the dough and organisational skills, or are willing to hire someone to manage the whole event, then consider throwing a pop-up party at a unique space created just for you for one night only. Notable examples in recent years include the Coach launch party in West Kowloon and A-Vibe’s Diesel party at the then newly opened Star Ferry Terminal. The CLOT-organised Coach party saw a huge marquee, wrapped in Coach logos, erected to host musician John Mayer and the VIP guests. “It was quite an experience because it was big scale,” says Kevin Poon, co-owner of CLOT Inc. “To impress [Hong Kong partiers], you have to take it to the next level.”
A-VIBE: 3106 3392; asian-vibe.com.
CLOT: 2869 9249; www.clotinc.com.
 

Mutiny on the Bounty
For the 1984 Roger Donaldson film The Bounty, the makers constructed a 42-metre-tall replica of the 18th-century British ship helmed by Captain Bligh. In 2007, some crazy folks at the Hong Kong Resort Company in Discovery Bay decided it would be a good idea to buy the ship, once graced by the presence of Mel Gibson, Anthony Hopkins, and Daniel Day-Lewis, as part of the resort’s $1.5 billion development. And now, if you love pirates, seamen, or just Mel Gibson, you too can party on The Bounty.

The ship can hold 60 passengers and costs $19,000 to hire for two hours during the day (11am-6pm) or $22,000 for two hours after 6pm (docked). Each additional hour costs $3,000 (day) or $4,000 (night). If you want the boat to actually sail, it’s $25,000 for a DB tour and $35,000 to Central (both two-hour trips; additional hours cost $10,000 each). Catering is extra ($130 per person for canapés) and drink service is available, as are band performances, for an extra fee. Just notify them a minimum of ten days in advance at booking@thebounty.com.hk or 2238 1103. See www.thebounty.com.hk for more details.
 

Block party
Nothing imparts street cred like having your party on the pavement. Unfortunately, you’ll first have to wade through lots of red tape and talk to various government departments not known for their party spirit.

A pedestrianised area is the easiest option, says Davena Mok of A-Vibe, who threw the Nike Sportswear party in Pak Sha Road, Causeway Bay, last year. The first step is to lodge an application with the Lands Department. To close a road to traffic, you must apply to the Hong Kong District Office (fax: 2824 0399). In addition, the police and transport departments must be notified if you are given the green light to go ahead.

If you want to have music and dancing – or a circus, a cinematograph or laser projection display, a concert, stage performance or other musical, dramatic or theatrical entertainment – you have to apply for a “temporary place of public entertainment” licence, which is obtained through the District Office. This must be submitted at least 42 days before your event. Costs for this licence vary: in Wan Chai district it’s $1,790.

If your party involves food and liquor (and, hey, what good party doesn’t?) you may require another licence. This time you’ll need to speak to the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (www.fehd.gov.hk).

You might also consider hiring security or police (the going rate is about $4,800 for the first four hours and $990 for each subsequent four-hour block) to keep out gatecrashers. And make sure you alert the police in advance of any shindig – it could be the difference between your party rocking or being closed down. Call your district police command; they might send officers to keep everything in order if they feel it’s appropriate. Regardless, due to the pesky noise ordinance, any street party has to be taken inside by midnight.

Bourree Lam

Read our other features:
Action parties
Warehouse parties
Party on a boat
Costume parties

See Also:
Party entertainment for hire