The world’s largest pop-up picnic, Le Diner en Blanc, is making its debut in Tauranga on Saturday 18 March 2017.
As with all the previous picnics, the location will be kept secret until the last moment, when diners will be supplied with the details of where and when to meet.
Launched in Paris nearly 30 years ago by François Pasquier and a handful of friends, Le Dîner en Blanc has grown from a “friends and word-of-mouth only” event into an international epicurean sensation in more than 70 cities from New York to Hong Kong.
Organisers of the Tauranga edition say it’s the perfect city for the super-sized picnic.
“We have some of the most gasp-worthy landscapes and public spaces in the country and a community that appreciates sharing good food with great friends in a unique way,” says Kimberley Cleland, co-host of Le Dîner en Blanc – Tauranga. Kimberley joins Rachelle Duffy (Little Big Events) and Dayna Comeskey in creating the first edition of Le Dîner en Blanc – Tauranga. “The spot we’ve chosen is iconic in Tauranga, so it’s a natural choice and going to be pretty special. Guests will meet at a chosen departure point on the day of the event and be escorted to the venue to ensure the location is kept secret until the last minute.”
Kimberley says more than 100,000 foodies and cultural enthusiasts around the world have embraced the pop-up epicurean event.
“We have had more than 500 people register interest in the event already,” she says. “We’ve fallen in love with the idea of a secret picnic and envisage the event becoming a long-standing tradition for the Tauranga community.”
She says what makes the event really unique is that everything on the night is white– including the dress code.
“Each guest is required to bring a table, two white chairs, a white tablecloth, white dinnerware and a picnic basket bursting with fine food,” says Kimberley. “For the dress code, originality and creativity are encouraged, as long as the outfits are stylish and elegant. Wine, champagne and food can be purchased with tickets.”
To attend Le Dîner en Blanc – Tauranga you must sign up to the waiting list here by 5 February 2017. Tickets will be available six weeks before the event, availability will be announced via email.
