Auckland, New Zealand was the latest city to be bestowed the honour of a Bridgerton Masquerade Ball worthy of the Ton.
Just 100 people (and a handful of influencers) were in attendance making it the most coveted event of the season with a 2000 person wait list.
People had to win an invitation through SparkNZ who partnered on the event with Netflix and there were thousands of entries.
Indeed, as one fortunate enough to gain admittance I can report that it was an evening this author felt compelled to write about.
I got to glide across the ballroom with a professional dancer to melodies from the Bridgerton soundtrack, performed by a live string quartet.
There were dance cards. Delicacies and tipples to savour. Opportunities to pose for a portrait before an iconic Bridgerton backdrop. The grandeur of the magnificent stone pillars of the foyer of Auckland Museum transported me to historic London spaces, and those of Bath.
And every person in attendance dressed up and played the part. It was colourful, inclusive, joyful and romantic and being a masked ball, had mystery and intrigue. It also offered a welcome distraction in these troubling times.
The response from fans – with thousands of entries for the Instagram giveaway – showed just how excited New Zealanders are to step into the world of Bridgerton.
A SparkNZ spokesperson said they wanted attendees to feel like they’d stepped straight into the world of Bridgerton and they achieved that.
“It’s about that “wow” moment when the ballroom comes alive, and guests feel part of the story themselves.
“We wanted to create a one-of-a-kind experience that brought the magic of Bridgerton off the screen and into the real world, giving fans an interactive, memorable, and delightfully decadent way to step into the world of the show while celebrating the ways Spark helps them enjoy it.”
To date there have been Netflix affiliated Bridgerton Balls held in the USA, Canada, Australia and United Kingdom.
These immersive events offer up a lush, opulent fantasy world of glamour, etiquette, and courtly intrigue as well as an opportunity to connect with other fans.
Of course themed period balls are not a new phenomenon. Especially Regency-themed.
Jane Austen Regency Week is held each June around Alton, Chawton and Selborne in Hampshire, England – the area where the celebrated author of Pride & Prejudice lived. Upcoming events include a Summer Ball on 20 June 2026 and Country Dance on 27 June 2026.
There’s also the Jane Austen Festival in Bath from 11-20 September 2026 which is believed to be the biggest Jane Austen celebration in the world and includes multiple Regency balls including one for beginners.
The Yuletide Regency Ball at the Pump Rooms on 12 December 2026 is also Jane Austen-inspired. Alas, tickets are already sold out and the waiting list is also full.
If like Sophie Baek in Bridgerton you cannot dance, perhaps a Regency Dance Workshop is in order. After, not everyone can have a private dance lesson from the likes of Benedict Bridgerton.
At the recent Bridgerton Masquerade Ball in Auckland there were thankfully professional dancers to lend a helping hand. But as to any future Bridgerton balls hosted by SparkNZ and Netflix, this was “a one-time only event”.
Though dearest gentle readers, do not despair. The ladies of county abode Hemsworth Estate (five minutes from Ashburton) are set to repeat their now popular annual Bridgerton-inspired ball in 2027. Last year Hemsworth Estate hosted a masquerade ball.
To be in the know, fans are encouraged to join the wait list now to be the first in line for the announcement of this year’s date and ball theme which according to some well-founded gossip is expected to be made in June or July.
Expect a Regency dress code, live music and guided Regency dances, Champagne and themed cocktails, horse-drawn carriage arrivals, lawn games like Pall Mall, portrait photography and promenades.
