CPBS: Party Boats for Private Hire on London's River Thames

August 2006

Earlier we spoke to Gareth Ellis of Famous Productions about clubbing in London, partying on the Thames, and his upcoming Sundazed Ibiza Warm Up Boat Party…

Who are you and what do you do?

I’m part of a promotion team that do regular Sunday events and one-off club nights in and around London. We mainly do the Sunday events but are now doing more and more one-offs including the boat parties and other club nights.

How did you get involved in this industry?

I got involved with a friend of mine who was dj’ing and we started something up and worked our way through it. We moved from venue to venue, established a following, a reputation and a brand for people enjoying what we did. Once we had the following we sort of built it as we went.

How long have you been having boat parties?

We had our first one last summer, this bank holiday Sunday will be our second one

How many do you generally have per year?

One a year so far but we’re looking at doing them more regularly depending on the success of this one.

Which of our boats do you use and why?

We’ve only used the Sundance so far because we like her size and the option of having two separate dance floor areas as well as the huge outside deck area. I’ve been on a couple of other parties on the Jubilee and so would also be interested in using her if we ever needed a slightly smaller boat.

Why do you like partying on the River Thames?

It’s just a different way to do it, you get to see the sights as well, it’s more exciting to go up and down the Thames than just be captured in a dark dingy club in Central London. It’s the best of both worlds, you get the outside space, you get the fresh air, but you can come in for a dance. It offers a bit more variety really.

What is the music style of the parties?

House and dance music. For our next boat party we’re flying in Alex Miles, a resident DJ from Bora Bora in Ibiza, so can guarantee the freshest summer tunes. 

What type of crowd do you normally get?

Friendly sophisticated crowd, from mid 20’s to early 30s.

Apart from the Thames, what is your favourite place to party?

Festivals are obviously good because you get the outdoor space as well, so parks, and different clubs - Pacha and The Cross are probably my favourite.

What is your favourite London spot?

Covent garden would be one of my favourite places in Central London, I love the whole market and busking, pubs and bars, restaurants and café culture, it’s brilliant. 

What is your most memorable boat party experience?

That would definitely be the one we did last year on the Sundance, which was absolutely quality. We had a sell-out crowd, it was perfect weather, the DJs and everything went really well and everyone just loved it.

What are the details of your next party with Capital Pleasure Boats?

It’s the 27th August 2006 which is this Bank Holiday Sunday, on the Sundance. 7.30pm for an 8pm departure from Temple pier, returning at 1am. Afterwards there is an after-party at a secret London location which is walking distance from Temple pier.

How do we purchase tickets?

Tickets for the 27th August 2006 boat party are on sale until the day before the event from
http://www.ticketweb.co.uk/user/?region=gb_london&query=schedule&venue=sundanceboat Tickets are £20 for the boat party or £27 for the boat and after party.

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14th August 2006. This interview is copyright Capital Pleasure Boats and may not be copied, quoted or distributed without the express permission of the author.