There, in the dim distance of the city’s receding cultural memory one jewel still glows: the “Taj Mahal of the Torrens”, the “most distinctive and beautiful place of entertainment in the Commonwealth”.
Ask your grandma if you don’t believe it, but an ornate floating ballroom known as The Floating Palais was the pinnacle of Adelaide’s nightlife throughout the 1920’s, until its mysterious sinking “after a series of explosions” at the height of the decade. Now, polish your dancing shoes and get ready for its phoenix-like return as the hub of the 2017 Adelaide Festival.
A stunning, newly-designed Floating Palais will light up the Torrens riverbank this festival season. Dance the night away to bands and DJs in the Grand Ballroom, compare notes on the shows you’ve loved or loathed over a drink or soak up the last glimpses of summer (and the odd international star) in the glorious open air mezzanine bar. The Palais welcomes you in daylight hours too – share breakfast and papers with some of Australia’s favourite media commentators or enjoy an after-work drink while listening to the world’s most compelling writers and artists.
Parc Palais will stretch into Elder Park with a focus on fresh, affordable, locally-sourced fare for pre and post-show drinks, family picnics, long, lazy lunches and late night suppers. Relax and raise a toast to the stars of the city’s culinary heritage, including Christine Manfield, Cheong Liew and Cath Kerry, and their selection of food and wine curated by Gill Minervini (Dark MOFO Winter Feast) with food consultant Duncan Welgemoed (Africola, Lola’s Pergola) especially for the Adelaide Festival.
Lazy Eye will be performing on the Elder Park rotunda at 5.30 & 7pm.
As classy or as casual as you like, climb aboard The Riverbank Palais and have the time of your life.