Go To Bishopsgate Institute's 120th Anniversary Ball

By Londonist Last edited 112 months ago
Go To Bishopsgate Institute's 120th Anniversary Ball
Will you wear a frock? Evening dress and bodice made by Stern Bros, New York, c.1894 (c) V&A
Will you wear a frock? Evening dress and bodice made by Stern Bros, New York, c.1894 (c) V&A
Fancy twerking in this bustle? Image courtesy V&A
Fancy twerking in this bustle? Image courtesy V&A
Speakers on the stage at the ball
Speakers on the stage at the ball
Hansom cab image courtesy London Transport Museum
Hansom cab image courtesy London Transport Museum

Get ready to party like it's 1894, as Bishopsgate Institute celebrates its 120th anniversary with a celebration the like of which hasn't been seen since the building first opened.

It was on 24 November that year that Prime Minister Lord Rosebery officially launched Bishopsgate Institute as a centre of learning and culture. Three days later the Institute's founder, Rev William Rogers, hosted a ball at the venue to mark his 75th birthday. And then the building opened to the public on New Year's Day 1895.

To mark the 120th birthday of Bishopsgate Institute, an Anniversary Ball reminiscent of that first great party has been organised. Nick Miles (Ballroom Blitz, Royal Festival Hall) will host proceedings, including live music from Down for the Count. There will also be demonstrations of the Waltz and Foxtrot by Natasha and Stefano Soldati.

The dress code for the event is formal and fabulous. To give you some inspiration, the Victoria and Albert Museum gave us some insight into ballroom attire for men and women back in 1894. And while you may be hopping on the number 25 bus or the Central Line to get to the party, how would those attending the original bash have made it there? London Transport Museum did some looking into the topic of travel at the time.

Bishopsgate Institute's 120th Anniversary Ball takes place on Friday 21 November at 7pm. Standard tickets £20, concessions £18. Book online or call 020 7392 9200.

Londonist is proud media partner to Bishopsgate Institute 2014.

Last Updated 12 November 2014