The Dressmakers Ball 2024

at The Grand Hotel in Leicester

on Saturday 19th October 2024

from 6.30pm - 1am

The Dressmakers ball is back for the fifth year, in a brand new venue! This decadent evening will include a drinks reception, two course sit down meal, live band, a catwalk show (which you can be a part of!) and the opportunity to sew yourself a glorious gown, garment or accessory.

The idea of Dressmakers Ball came about after we were pondering the lack of opportunity to sew and wear a ball gown or formal wear. We decided to throw a party and sew something special to wear, and we thought everyone should be invited!

So, don your finery and join us at the Grand Hotel, Leicester, for a spectacular evening of creativity, heritage and glamour!

Please let us know any dietary requirements in the notes when you order your tickets.  Your order confirmation acts as your ticket, you will not need to print these for access to the event.

Book your tickets today!

FAQs

What is The Dressmakers Ball?

The idea for the Dressmakers Ball came about as we stood around the cutting table and moaned that we didn't have occasions to make and wear gowns... So we created one!

The Dressmakers Ball is a fun evening event for dressmakers and those with a passion for all things sewing related, to get together, admire each others fabulous gowns and finery, and generally have a great time with like-minded sewing friends.

Take a look at photos from last years event here!

Can anyone come?

Yes we have made it our mission to make sure EVERYONE will feel welcome at The Dressmakers Ball! So no matter your gender, race, level of sewing experience, dietary and accessibility requirements, anyone who loves sewing and the wonderful sewing community is welcome.

We are pro body-positivity and freedom of expression for all. 

I want to come with a group of friends

Tickets can be purchased as individuals or in groups of 5 or 10 places.  We will be creating a seating plan based on the order tickets are sold, so book your tickets with your friends to guarantee you will be sat together on a table.  We can only guarantee people will be sat together if you buy tickets together.

None of my friends sew, can I come on my own? I am worried I won't know anyone...

The sewing community is THE MOST WONDERFUL and FRIENDLY community there is! There are 150 tickets and honestly by the end of the night you WILL have made 149 new dressmaking friends!

But if you are coming solo, we, your hosts Sarah, Emma and Freya will be there to welcome you at the door, so do let us know and we will guide you towards some fabulous new friends who will make you so welcome.

Is the event Accessible?

We have carefully chosen a venue which has good accessibility and we are working closely with them to ensure everybody has a fantastic time. Here are some of the things which might be helpful for you to know:

• There is step-free access to the front door via a gentle ramp and there is a lift to the first floor.
• There is a disabled toilet located on the ground floor
• The ball room is upstairs and the disabled toilet is downstairs.
• The toilets are well equipped with a handrail and space to maneuver. We will be providing more information about the facilities in due course after our next visit.
• The car park is located on the ground floor, underneath the hotel.  There are disabled parking bays available to use for guests.
• There are no hearing loops at the venue.
• There will be no strobe or flashing lights. The room will be well lit at all times.
• There is a quiet room outside of the main ball room which may act as safe place for sensory overload or to take medications if required. If you need more privacy or a place to rest do let us know as we also have an organisers space we can use.
• Dietary requirements for food have been collected at the time of booking. Please make sure you add any dietary requirements in the comments box at the checkout. This really helps us make sure everyone's requirements are met, thanks.
• Some tables will be cleared down after dinner for dancing, but some will be left in situ for those who wish to use them still. Tables will be laid out so that anyone using mobility aids can access the key spaces.
• Please let us know if you would like a seat reserved near to the lift or away from the speakers.

We hope to have answered all your questions about accessibility but whatever you need to help you enjoy the evening, please feel free to ask us and we can confirm, make changes where necessary and do everything we can to help you enjoy the experience to its fullest.

Do I have to Make my own Dress?

Although this event is a great opportunity to go all out and have fun making your own evening wear, you absolutely do not need to make your own dress to attend. Previous attendees have made accessories, upcycled ready to wear or just styled up casual me-made-makes!

You don't even have to wear a dress! Any form of eveningwear is fine - skirts, trousers, jackets, playsuits, shorts etc! Whatever makes you feel FABULOUS!

Where is the venue?

The event will be held at the Grand Hotel in Leicester.  The Grand Hotel is a stunning Grade II listed building which blends Victorian splendour with stylish urban interiors and fine dining in one of the most central and sophisticated hotels Leicester has to offer.

How can I get there and where can I park?

The Grand Hotel is located approximately 5-10 minute walk from Leicester train station, and 10-15min walk from the Haymarket bus station. Leicester is easily accessed by Train from most locations in the UK. At the time of writing there are no engineering works planned for the event weekend but please check before you travel.

The Grand Hotel has a large car park directly underneath the building which is available for guests use.

Where can I stay?

The Grand Hotel has 104 bedrooms, all offering supremely comfortable beds and beautiful surroundings. Contact the hotel directly to book.

Can I make a weekend of it?

Why not to come down on the Friday night and make the most of Leicester!

There is plenty to see and do. Visit one of the many exhibitions happening over the weekend. Take in a show at the Curve Theatre, which is right next door to our studios in the Makers Yard! Or enjoy street food, art and comedy at the Last Friday at LCB Depot

And did we mention the fabric shops...?! Visit Stuart on the market for deadstock bargains galore and a good bit of banter thrown in too! Roys Material World is also across the way in The Malcolm Arcade. John Lewis in the Highcross shopping centre has a well stocked haberdashery on the lower ground floor.

We also will be hosting a post-party brunch event (venue TBC but will be in the city centre) from 10.30am-12noon (approx) on the Sunday.

Terms & Conditions for The Dressmakers Ball Ticket Sales

1. Ticket Purchase
   • By purchasing a ticket, you agree to these Terms & Conditions. The Dressmakers Ball reserves the right to amend these T&Cs at any time.
   • Tickets must be purchased through our authorised seller - Ticket Tailor. Resale of tickets is not permitted unless transferred (see Section 4).
2. Ticket Price
   • All ticket prices are listed in pound sterling, and include applicable taxes.
   • Payment must be made in full at the time of purchase. We accept Card payment only.
3. Ticket Delivery
   • After purchase, you will receive an electronic receipt electronically to the email address provided during checkout.
   • Please ensure your email address is correct at the time of purchase, as any errors could result in non-receipt of your confirmation.
4. Non-Refundable Tickets
   • All tickets are non-refundable, except in the case of event cancellation by the organiser.
   • In the event of cancellation, ticket holders will be notified and offered a full refund or a transfer to a rescheduled date.
5. Ticket Transfer
   • Tickets are transferable to another individual, but you must notify the event organiser via email at least 48 hours before the event with the name and contact details of the new ticket holder.
   • The new ticket holder must present proof of transfer upon entry.
6. Event Changes
   • The Dressmakers Ball reserves the right to make changes to the event schedule, entertainment, food, venue, or guest appearances without prior notice.
   • In case of significant changes (e.g., change of date or venue), ticket holders will be notified via email and given options for transfer or refund as applicable.
7. Event Cancellation or Postponement
   • In the unlikely event of cancellation or postponement due to circumstances beyond our control (force majeure), The Dressmakers Ball will not be liable for any costs incurred by ticket holders (e.g., accommodation, travel expenses).
   • A full refund will be issued in case of cancellation. In case of postponement, tickets will automatically be transferred to the rescheduled date unless the holder requests otherwise.
8. Entry to the Event
   • Entry to the event requires a valid ticket, which will be checked upon entry. Any unauthorised duplication of tickets will result in denial of entry.
   • The Dressmakers Ball reserves the right to refuse entry to individuals who do not comply with the event's behavioural expectations.
9. Health & Safety
   • The Dressmakers Ball adheres to all local health and safety regulations. Attendees are required to comply with any COVID-19 or similar guidelines in place at the time of the event.
   • The Dressmakers Ball reserves the right to refuse entry or remove anyone from the event who is deemed a health or safety risk.
10. Liability
    • The Dressmakers Ball will not be responsible for any personal injury, loss, or damage to personal property occurring during the event, except in cases of negligence by the organisers.
11. Photography & Filming
    • By attending the event, you consent to being photographed and/or filmed. The footage or images may be used for promotional purposes on social media, websites, or marketing materials.
    • If you do not wish to be photographed or filmed, please inform a member of the event team upon arrival.
12. Contact Information
    • For any ticket-related inquiries or issues, please contact us at info@craftysewandso.com

Book your tickets today!