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Q: When and where is the Hay Dustdrinkers B&S Ball held?
A: The Hay B&S is held at the Hay Showground on the Queen's birthday long weekend in June each year. The ball itself is on the Saturday night.
Q: What's the dress code?
A: The dress code is black tie. For men, that means a white button-up shirt, black pants, covered-in shoes (typically boots or dress shoes) and a bow tie. If you are not wearing a tie you will not be allowed entry to the ball, and ties will be available for purchase at the gate for emergencies. For ladies, a dress or shirt and skirt combination will suffice. Covered-in shoes are a must - and boots are a popular option.
Q: Can I bring food dye?
A: No. Do not bring this with you.
Q: What do I get with my ticket?
You get heaps! Entry to the best party the Riverina has to offer on the June long weekend, a stubby holder, sticker, ear tag, canned alcohol, water and food all night, party pack, bacon and egg breakfast the following morning. Prepaid ticketholders also get an extra gift, such as a soft-pack esky or a trucker cap.
Q: When do prepaid tickets go on sale?
Prepaid tickets will be on sale from mid-April until the Monday prior to the B&S.
Q: Is glass allowed in the car park?
No. Please, don't bring glass into the car park. We'd hate to have to confiscate it. Vehicles will be searched upon entry.
Q: Can we have a campfire?
Yes, campfires are allowed in the car park - it is the middle of winter, after all - in drums. We ask that you don't have them too big or throw bottles or explosives (aerosols, butane canisters, etc) into them. This helps keep everyone safe and means the clean-up for our volunteers is a little easier. We will have small fire drums and firewood available for those who forget or just can't cart wood all the way to us.
Q: Can I bring my dog to the B&S car park?
Sorry, no dogs allowed. Also, the car park is directly across from the pound.... so you'll run a risk if you bring your dog with you.
Q: Is breath-testing available?
A: Yep, you can get a breath-test on Sunday morning. A breathalysing station will be set up near the breakfast area, and cost is a gold coin donation. Proceeds from the breathalysing go to Hay War Memorial High School to help with travel costs for a driver education day. Please note that these readings are to be used AS A GUIDE ONLY and cannot be used in court.
Q: What merchandise is available, and can I pre-order?
A: This varies year to year - we like to mix things up a little. But don't worry, we let everyone know what's on the menu each year. All merchandise is first sold on the ball day, so our patrons get first shot at a piece of that year's merch. Once ball weekend is over, we'll assess what we have leftover and let people know how they can get it. If you can't make it to the ball, feel free to line up a mate to grab you something.
Q: I've never been to a B&S. What do I need to know?
A: Click on the picture below to see a wrap of what you need to know, compiled by one of our committee members.
THE SERIOUS STUFF
Attendees can purchase pre-paid ball tickets online, or at the gate on the day of event. merchandise is also available. Free camping is provided for the 48 hour period from noon Friday to noon Sunday. Attendees are then permitted into the pavilion from 8pm, as directed by security staff. Drinks are served using a ticketing system. All alcohol is mid strength, as per the event liquor licence. Part of the entry ticket includes all you can eat meal on Saturday evening (roast meat rolls or similar) as well as breakfast Sunday morning (bacon and egg rolls or similar). Unlimited free water is available all weekend. Our licensee is William Sullivan who will be present at the event. Servers of alcohol will hold current and valid RSA certifications. Non-alcoholic drinks shall also be served. No glass is permitted at either the ball or in the camping area.
•Breath-testing facilities will be made available from early on Sunday morning for a gold coin donation. Equipment is on loan from the NSW Roads and Maritime Service. NOTE: Readings are to be used as a guide only and cannot be used in court. If in doubt, wait it out.
•Vehicle access is via the western gate into the showgrounds carpark/camping area. No additional vehicle movement is permitted once vehicle is inside carpark/camping area. Failure to adhere to this safety rule may result in keys being confiscated until noon Sunday. No unregistered or un-roadworthy vehicles are permitted into the carpark/camping area.
• First aid services provided by SES
• Volunteers will be clearly identifiable, and equipped with mobile phones and contact lists.
• Qualified security shall be on-site from noon Saturday.
• The ball will go ahead rain, hail or shine.
•Breath-testing facilities will be made available from early on Sunday morning for a gold coin donation. Equipment is on loan from the NSW Roads and Maritime Service. NOTE: Readings are to be used as a guide only and cannot be used in court. If in doubt, wait it out.
•Vehicle access is via the western gate into the showgrounds carpark/camping area. No additional vehicle movement is permitted once vehicle is inside carpark/camping area. Failure to adhere to this safety rule may result in keys being confiscated until noon Sunday. No unregistered or un-roadworthy vehicles are permitted into the carpark/camping area.
• First aid services provided by SES
• Volunteers will be clearly identifiable, and equipped with mobile phones and contact lists.
• Qualified security shall be on-site from noon Saturday.
• The ball will go ahead rain, hail or shine.