Returning for its second year to kick off Vivid Sydney, Kings Cross Hotel was transformed on Saturday into the 6-floor, multi-genre extravaganza known as the ‘Welcome To Kings Cross’ party. Curated by Adam Lewis, for whom the event was a dedication to the diversity and vibrance of Sydney’s nightlife, the lineup featured party favourites including Keep It Disco, Rhythm of the Night, Shantan Wantan Ichiban and Uptown.
From the Dive Bar to the Rooftop house antics hosted by Bad Deep, there was something for everyone at this iconic Sydney institution, with all six levels showcasing some of the best and brightest in Sydney’s late-night dance scene.
Turning out classic pub hits all night, the Dive Bar featured Body Type, 40 Year Old DJs, and Dom Alessio, whose patriotic set recalled late-night pub karaoke sessions of youth. On the Ground Floor, Uptown brought hip-hop and pop pleasers our way through the stylings of Dr Kray, Nes, James Smithers, Astrix Little, Shag and legendary Purple Sneakers DJ, Martin Novosel.
On the Balcony, Keep It Disco DJs, Preacha, Andy Webb and Side Hustle kept rhythmic beats flowing, while in the Club DJ Levins and Ariane spun 90s anthems at Rhythm of the Night’s 90s Rave Party.
Partygoers revelled in white bath robes (courtesy of Adam Lewis) as Shantan Wantan Ichiban, FlexMami, Tulett and Mowgli May played smooth R&B tunes in the Bordello. Up on the Rooftop, Lauren Hansom and Chetch and Chad joined Bad Deep DJs for a night of electronic dance floor delights.
It’s no secret that the glamour and grime of our once vibrant red light district has been eroded by lockout laws and gentrification. However, punters showed Sydney’s true fighting spirit, keeping the party going from 9pm well into the small hours of 3am. If Welcome To Kings Cross is any indication, 2017’s Vivid Sydney is bound to be a spectacular affair.
Welcome to Kings Cross was held at the Kings Cross Hotel on Saturday, May 27th. For more information on Vivid Festival, head to vividsydney.com.
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