By MELISSA MEEHAN
IT’S taken social media by storm, but police are still trying to make contact with the organisers of the Yarra Valley Secret Dance Party to ensure everything is above board.
Many people in the Yarra Ranges would have seen signs around town inviting people to “like” the Secret Yarra Valley Dance Party Facebook page – and while information and details on this page and the website are fairly vague, many have purchased tickets.
The party, to be held on Friday 8 November, invites individuals to buy a ticket without knowing the location of the event until the day – where they will be taken to the venue by shuttle bus after first arriving at a meeting point (also secret until a few days before).
Organisers replied to an email request from the Mail, but did not identify themselves as anything other than Secret Dance Party Australia.
A number of questions that were asked by the Mail in relation to safety, police notification and emergency services were ignored but questions about why the Yarra Valley was chosen were answered.
“Secret Dance Party Australia is for all those party lovers who can’t safely enjoy a great party because of gate-crashers and random drunks,” organisers responded.
“Our first Australian event will be held in the Yarra Valley because it is the perfect spring party location.
“The Yarra Valley is a lovely mix of modern and historical buildings and it’s not too far out from the city and hopefully our patrons will stay overnight in a hotel or in a B&B.”
The organisers said that Secret Dance Party Australia is a proposed touring company that relies on local business cooperation and promotes local businesses and products.
“We have finalised agreements with local sponsors for adult adrenaline entertainment, music, lighting, food and alcohol as well as the venue location and a pre-drinks venue,” they said.
“Of course security, bus hire and bus drivers are from local resources too.”
Organisers said before starting to promote the event, they had secured a licensed venue for a private party as well as local chefs to cater for the party.
A Victoria Police spokeswoman said that police were aware of the party advertised on social media, and encouraged party supervisors to register their parties with local police at least a week before.
