Guests will be greeted by white-gloved valets and butlers, and formally welcomed by the hotel’s very own Mr. Carson and Mrs. Hughes as Downton Abbey returns to Oak Bay. The hotel has hosted season premieres of the popular British TV drama since shortly after opening in December 2012.
“We thought ‘this is Downton Abbey’,” said Kris Morash, marketing manager. “We crafted a package previous to us even opening… That led to the idea of hosting an event to host the premiere.”
The season premiere is now an annual event where partial proceeds go to KCTS 9 (PBS) and the David Foster Foundation.
“It fits the hotel,” Morash said. “It continues because of the success of our partnership with KCTS, the success of the event and the success of the show.”
Guests are encouraged, but not required, to dress for dinner in their best 1920s attire in a tradition that started that first year. Staff wore appropriate attire, and continue to each year, but surprisingly so did about 80 per cent of the guests.
“So many people got into the spirit,” Morash said of the event that sells out each year.
Tickets are $89 plus taxes and include a three-course meal and the simulcast screening of the premiere that features period-inspired cocktails, menu and attire.
The fundraising event is Sunday, Jan. 4 at 6:45 p.m. in the David Foster Foundation Theatre at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel, 1175 Beach Dr.
Visit oakbaybeachhotel.com or call 250-598-4556 to book tickets.
cvanreeuwyk@oakbaynews.com