Global, pop-up picnic phenomenon Diner en Blanc returned to Brisbane for the fifth annual year (22 October), transforming another secret location into an all-white extravaganza.
Launched in Paris in 1988, the picnic has since expanded massively, now celebrated in more than 60 cities, across more than 25 countries around the world. Although the event has changed in ways over the years, the sole principals have remained the same: guests gather at an unrevealed public space to share snacks and sip wine with their friends and family, dressed head to toe in white.
Upon arriving at the Queen Street Mall for pre-drinks and nibbles, an elegantly dressed crowd of around 3,000 proved quite the spectacle. Crunchy polenta chips, freshly shucked oysters and goat cheese tartlets were shared, while attendees sipped crisp glasses of champagne.
Soon, volunteers and staff begin shuffling the sea of white to the secret location, apparently within walking distance of the Mall.
Crowd members gasped audibly as they approached the QUT Botanical Gardens: the area was draped with stunning decorations from trees, to trunks, to shrubs. The sight of 3,000 punters dressed identically and dining on white tables and chairs, adorned with white tablecloths and centrepieces, was unexpectedly jaw-dropping, despite the organisers openly publicising the sale of 3,000 tickets. Without witnessing the sensational set-up, one would struggle to grasp how truly breathtaking the event site looked.
Image © Gabrielle Vacher
As per tradition, white napkins were swung in the air to signal the start of the dinner extravaganza. Picnic-goers went to an incredible amount of effort to personalise their tables: white balloons flew from some, flowers were scattered across others, and fairy lights illuminated many. Live music echoed through the park throughout the evening, with many standing and dancing along to the classic tunes. The drizzling rain showers failed to dampen the fun, but instead highlighted the simple pleasures of dining outdoors, white umbrellas adding to the spectacular scene.
Image © Gabrielle Vacher
At the end of the night, revellers packed their belongings and ventured out, leaving little trace of the party that was celebrated by thousands. Mere curiosity encouraged me to attend the pop-up picnic: the concept itself is undeniably clever and I was eager to observe how the organisers would pull off an event of such enormity, all the while maintaining a secret location.
I was blown away by the sheer beauty of the occasion and amazed by the magical atmosphere. We may not be fortunate enough to see the snow in Queensland, but the all-white Diner en Blanc could be the next closest thing.
