Update: Le Dîner en Blanc is an event that typically goes ahead rail, hail or shine. However, it cannot go ahead when Mother Nature really turns on the sprinklers and floods not just the secret location, but pretty much the east coast of Australia. That’s what happened but Le Dîner en Blanc is not to be put off indefinitely because diners dressed in white already have a new date to mark into their diaries, onto their calendars and tell their friends: Saturday 14 May.
For some, Le Dîner en Blanc is an elegant large-scale picnic. For others, it is a dream event, a magical evening of a sea of people gathering, uniting, all dressed in white. It is a spectacle—not only to see, but to experience as well.
Together, thousands descend on a public space and together they sit and eat, drink wine, dance and be merry. The night is full of friends, old and new, and although the picnic is usually via invitation only, you too can take part in the unexpected evening. All you need to do is register your interest here and wait for the reply.
Find out more about Le Dîner en Blanc Sydney and its 9th edition on May 14 below.
But, to elevate your Le Dîner en Blanc Sydney experience with a carefully prepared luxurious hamper, the best seats that you don’t have to carry yourself and dedicated entry and check-in, email Antoine Bessis at antoine@8agency.com.au
Le Dîner en Blanc Sydney details
It has been three years since Sydney’s last Le Dîner en Blanc, which took place under the stars at Tumbalong Park in Darling Quarter. In normal circumstances, the enchanting evening occurs no matter what with 5000 people recalling the elegance and glamour of high French society.
The crowd clad in classy all white arrive in unison on chartered transportation or arranged public transport, resembling a white wave. They sit at tables stretching far and long where they eat and drink to their heart’s content. Nobody begins, though, until the napkins twirl and nobody stands until everyone is waving their sparkler. Only then does the dancefloor open and the party erupts with special performances. It’s these little details that help make Le Dîner en Blanc exceptional as well those that are kept as surprises until you find them on the night.
The event is gearing up for a huge return, and the organisers are excited to announce the secret location but that won’t happen until the day of. Previous public spaces in Sydney have included the Opera House forecourt, Bondi Beach and Centennial Parklands. You can expect that the location of the 9th edition of Le Dîner en Blanc Sydney will be just as fabulous and awe-inspiring as these previous spaces.
Le Dîner en Blanc registration and tickets
Guests at this year’s Le Dîner en Blanc are able to select from a number of ticket options. There exists the traditional BYO furniture ticket (one square foldable table and two foldable chairs), which you’ll need to pack up at the end of the night and take home with all of your waste.
Or, you can rent the furniture. It will be set up prior to your arrival to save you the hassle of lugging around a table and chairs. Aside from this, all guests have the same packing list including napery, plates, cutlery, stemware and a few other essentials to not only make your night a memorable one, but to leave no trace behind. Don’t forget the table decorations either and the flowers for an extra special ooh-la-la touch.
The event is strictly no BYO drinks. However, once you’ve received your tickets you’ll be able to access the online catering boutique and pre-order your Champagne, French and sulfur-free wines as well other drinks. You’ll pick them up on arrival and soon feel the energy pulse around you.
With both BYO furniture and rental ticket options, you can choose to have chartered transport included. Bear in mind, that you will still need to walk some 300-700 metres to the official secret location site, so wear some comfortable shoes for the short stroll.
Tickets start from $68 per person and are sold in pairs.
You can register for Le Dîner en Blanc here.
Elevate your Le Dîner en Blanc experience
If you’re not so keen on packing for a picnic and want to avoid the hassle of preparing all your food, Le Dîner en Blanc Sydney has a very special ticket option at this year’s event. With the Elevated Le Dîner en Blanc ticket, a Platinum Hamper for two can be pre-ordered containing a range of delicious dishes including duck parfait, poached Yamba prawns, salmon gravlax, smoked beef fillet and other appetising nibbles. Dessert’s also prepared and packed for a sweet treat before the dancing begins.
The upgraded Le Dîner en Blanc experience also includes dedicated entry, check-in and special seating arrangements, like seating with friends or the closest seats to the stage and the dancefloor that will be of epic proportions. It’s also where all the fun post-dinner is to be had. A vegetarian hamper can also be pre-ordered as well as a Platinum Wine Package for the whole table featuring Moet Brut Champagne, Côtes de Provence Rosé and other curated French wines.
The upgraded tickets with all the perks cost $375 per person and are sold in pairs. These tickets must be purchased by end of day March 8.
If this is the kind of experience you’re into, then email Le Dîner en Blanc Sydney host, Antoine Bessis, directly at antoine@8agency.com.au
Le Dîner en Blanc Sydney
Having spanned decades and continents from its humble beginnings, Le Dîner en Blanc has not been put off by the past couple of years. The world’s most magical picnic returns to Sydney with gusto and will be popping up at a public space on Saturday 14 May.
You can either be part of the experience or watch it unfold from the sidelines—one is definitely much more fun than the other.