Media Release, 5 November 2012

The Event to begin Summer – Gatsby comes to Abbeville

“And so with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves growing on the trees, just as things grow in fast movies, I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer.” F Scott Fitzgerald

Guests can expect a garden party with an edge on 1 December at Auckland Airport – with fine New Zealand food and beverage flowing from late afternoon until evening at the newly restored Abbeville Estate.

With a theme of Gatsby Comes to Abbeville, chosen for a bygone era derived from Abbeville’s heritage combined with the buzz created by the upcoming Baz Luhrmann remake of the film starring Leonardo DiCaprio, this summer garden party will be Auckland Airport Business District's inaugural annual Summer Event.

Freely moving throughout the estate, guests will be able to relax on lounge settings in flowing marquees, chill out in the homestead or dance the night away in the Bootleg barn. The music of Peter Urlich and his band the Swingin’ Sextet will transport party-goers back in time and create the magic of dancing to the great songs of the Swing era.

Abbeville Estate features a number of carefully restored historic buildings, and the event will showcase New Zealand food and wine in this premier setting.

The Gatsby Comes to Abbeville event will be held on Saturday 1 December from 4pm until late, and will attended by key corporate players and celebrities from around the city.

Abbeville is a partnership between the legendary Sue Fleischl, founder of the Great Catering Company, and Auckland Airport. Abbeville is a jewel in Auckland Airport’s crown, and was launched earlier this year – since playing host to a number of conferences, parties and weddings throughout winter.

“The Gatsby theme is perfect for Abbeville and its special history as it is believed to be one of the only intact pre 1860 historic farm complexes of this type remaining in the Auckland region," says Sue Fleischl.

“We will have so much fun creating the food and atmosphere to transport our guests into the era they have dressed for.”

This year’s chosen charity is The New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation.

“All money raised from ticket sales and donations on the day, will go directly to the New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation,” says Sean Thompson, Business Development Manager, Auckland Airport Business District.

“We wanted to start the summer at Abbeville with the perfect party, one that will benefit our chosen charity, one that will be talked about with excitement and – with the timing – one that would be the perfect way to get colleagues or friends together before the Christmas break.”

Tickets go on sale Wednesday 1 November, and can be purchased from www.iticket.co.nz, or check out our Facebook page and website (www.abbeville.co.nz) for more details. Return courtesy coaches will run from the city to Abbeville for those wanting to enjoy the party without driving.

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