Dig out your glad rags for comeback event

MASQUERADE: Dancers Eden Shearer and Nicole Brown are dressed up ready to perform at MATS' Masquerade Arts Ball.

One of Masterton's premier social events and favourite costume parties is making a comeback.

The Masterton Amateur Theatrical Society (MATS) will be holding its Masquerade Arts Ball at Masterton Town Hall next month -- for the first time in close to four decades.

The ball, which will be the society's primary fundraiser going into 2016, will feature a cabaret show from regular MATS performers, and attendees are invited to dress up -- the more outlandish the costume, the better.

MATS president Sharon Stevens-Cottle said the masquerade ball was a high point in Masterton's social calendar for many years, but disappeared off the radar after the committee responsible for it moved on.

"Back then, it was the social event to go to," Mrs Stevens-Cottle said.

"It would be packed full -- every year, there was a waiting list for tickets.

"My parents were heavily involved with it, and us kids couldn't wait until we were old enough to go.

"People kept asking me if we were going to bring it back -- we thought it was about time."

This year's ball will include a live band, supper and a cash bar, and a raffle, plus a "floor show" choreographed by Mrs Stevens-Cottle -- featuring 16 women in "blingy" dresses, feather headdresses and very high heels.

"It'll be similar to the cabaret stuff we did for our two Encore shows -- but with a few tweaks.

"The girls will actually be dancing on the ballroom floor, right amongst it, so they'll be right up close."

Mrs Stevens-Cottle encouraged the public not to be outshone by the performers, and turn up in their own extravagant outfits.

"In the old days, the costumes were amazing -- people used to go to town.

"But, if people just want to come in black tie and cocktail dresses, with a mask, that's fabulous, too."

As an added incentive to come in costume, ticketholders are eligible for a 25 per cent discount at the Majestic Theatre's Gaiety Costume Hire.

The Masquerade Arts Ball will be held at Masterton Town Hall, on Saturday October 3, beginning at 8pm. Tickets are $50. For more information, contact Jude Card on 027 210 2308, or Wendy McLennan on 027 480 6664.