Renaissance glows for annual party

Curtis Campbell, Gleaner Writer

The Palisadoes Go-Kart Track, Port Royal, will come alive tomorrow as Renaissance Disco hosts the 2011 edition of its highly anticipated All White Party. According to Renaissance's Delano Thomas, the event is about fashion and elegance.

Dubbed 'All White The Glow Edition', the annual Christmas Eve event is expected to once again bring elegance, fashion and confidence to the party platform.

"The place will be set up to glow and there will also be glow gadgets available. For this staging, glowing isn't just about the décor, but also a fashion statement, how you regard yourself and how you dress. I, along with other members of the team, will also be glowing," Thomas said, laughing.

The party was held at Palisadoes Go-Kart Track last year, and the promoter has opted to use the venue again because of the atmosphere and versatility it offers. Delano hopes to produce an event of international quality. "We like to think big and we want to compete with the international market. We play at a lot of international events and we often try to incorporate that," he said.

He added that it is not easy to balance operating an international sound system and hosting top-notch events at the same time. All White has been a success in previous years and Delano has high expectations for tomorrow's staging. "Last year, the support was amazing. It's a calendar event and so people know about it. They are even contacting us already, making it known that they want to be a part of it. We just hope the success and support continues," he said.

This year, there will be more bars and a premium detox zone, along with premium bottle service. "We will go all out with the décor, vibe and music. Trust me, the set-up will look like it's impossible," said Delano.

There will be several lounges that all patrons will have access to, courtesy of the sponsors. However, access to the Glow lounge will be based on reservations and it will offer exclusive premium liquor.

Presold tickets to All White The Glow Edition are $2,000 for women and $2,500 for men. General admission is $3,000. Persons who purchase tickets at LIME locations will get a free Alcatel phone, courtesy of the telecommunications company. However, if partygoers purchase tickets at TGIF, they will receive a voucher which should be taken to LIME in order to collect the gift.

"It's our intention to give back to our patrons for the Christmas season, so this is just a way of doing that," Delano said.

Tickets can be purchased at LIME locations at Portmore Shopping Centre, Knutsford Boulevard and Bargain Mall. Other ticket outlets are the Total Service Stations in Harbour View and Liguanea, Xtras in Mall and Manor plazas.

Red Stripe, which has sponsored the Renaissance Christmas Eve Party for more than 12 years, will also treat patrons to drink specials and have the Red Stripe lounge, complete with the Red Stripe girls, at the event.

Renaissance All White is an ultra drink-inclusive event and, in keeping with this, Delano said that patrons would get value for money. "We will have various types of premium liquor at the bar - rum, vodka, brew products - you name, it we will have it. Our patrons will not be cheated," he said.

Detox, will be provided by TGIF, Tops and Swiss. The promoter also advises potential patrons to drink responsibly. "Renaissance and Red Stripe have always encouraged responsible drinking, and we maintain that stance," he said.

The musical glow will also be provided by DJ Nicco and ZJ Ice, among others. Gates will be open at 10 p.m. There will be a designated parking area protected by police and security personnel.

"This is the big party for the Christmas. We want everybody to have a good time. Come and celebrate with your friends. Celebrities will be there as well. Just come out and have a great time," Delano said.