A Great Gatsby New Year's Eve with Down for the Count
Photos by Marius Bukis
In 2014, our New Year's Eve performance was at The Booking Office restaurant inside the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel in central London.
This luxury hotel is part of the newly-renovated St. Pancras Station - an iconic landmark and well worth checking out on your next trip to London!
It is also the location used in Spice Girls' music video "Wannabe" - and here we are geeking out on the famous staircase.
For the 2014-15 New Year's eve party, the hotel chose a Great Gatsby theme. They asked our 7-piece band The Get Downs to dress in 1920s clothing, but to play our great mix of swing, soul and Motown music to keep everyone on the dancefloor.
We arrived early to set up before guests started arriving. The Booking Office restaurant looked absolutely stunning - and there was even mulled wine on the go which the staff insisted we help ourselves to, a wonderful treat whilst setting up on a very cold night.
On arrival guests were treated to delicious cocktails, before eating a three-course dinner in The Booking Office restaurant.
After dinner, it was time for Down for the Count's top party band The Get Downs to take to the stage. Our first set featured swing and jive music - and there were even some of our swing dance fans in attendance, who couldn't resist showing off a few moves.
We also played some authentic 1920s music, and our vintage covers of modern songs, which always go down perfectly at vintage-themed events.
After set one, all attention focused on the Booking Office clock for the New Year countdown, followed by champagne and Auld Lang Syne led by the band.
After that, we went straight into a high energy party set which didn't finish until the early hours of the morning.
There were some great dance moves on display - and of course, the inevitable conga line, which always seems to come out at New Year's Eve.
Thanks to Marius Bukis for these great photos of the event.
Get in touch today to find out how Down for the Count can transform your New Year's celebrations!
About the author
Mike Paul-Smith has over 18 years experience in delivering bespoke live music and entertainment packages for wedding receptions and corporate events across London, the UK and internationally.
He is the company director, pianist and musical director of Down for the Count.
