The evening is dark and mysterious, through dangers untold you have made your way to The Goblin Ball. You push your way into the Grand Ballroom, the energy is hectic and the New Orleans Jazz is flowing like sweet bourbon. Once by your side, you turn around to find your love has vanished. Where could they be? Male or female the song spell is strong and hard to resist.

Seriphone the siren has called from the swamplands to draw your one true love to their fate. Do you dare follow and risk being lost in the sirens spell or do you count your losses and find another?

Jas Tavares journeys from Dallas, Texas to bring the bewitching voice of Seriphone the Swamp Siren to life. Oozing a bluesy acapella to entice strangers to the lair of the underworld, Seriphone wanders the world of The Goblin Ball performing for those who dare risk their life. Darko The Ringmaster asks this wandering songstress what guests can expect from this talented creature.

Jas, you are not a stranger to performing and also have had your regular brushes with fame. Share with us some of the most notable moments of your singing career.
Oh I have so many it's hard to chose one, but I do have to say my first real performance is my most memorable. I was still in high school and I had been given a solo performance and hadn't even auditioned. The whole school was there. The moment I walked out and onto that stage, an eruption of cheers rang through the entire performance hall, I had to wait a few minutes to actually begin. I sang at last and, it was dead silent. The moment the song was over, I had my first standing ovation. I was elated. And from then on, I sang at every single event; from foot ball games, baseball games, I played rolls in musicals I hadn't even auditioned for and at the end of the year I was awarded the golden voice award at our prom and it was the most amazing feeling.

I've auditioned for American idol which was the 2nd season, I was given an amazing opportunity to audition for the glee project and sing for some of our radio stations out door concerts, I've even been in documentaries. It's truly been a wonder experience for me. I'm very lucky

As a Ringmaster wandering the worlds of The Goblin Ball, I’m not completely familiar with Swamp Sirens. Tell me about what Seriphone plans on doing for the evening of The Goblin Ball?
Seriphone is after one this and one thing only, the beating heart of love, she needs it to live and to make her grotto the way it truly is. She will do anything to get a heart beating passion. Anything. I will sing to those who seek true love, only to snatch the life force when they are most vulnerable. I will swap a song for a trinket or two, however those without an acceptable offering should beware, a beating heart is the best price. Those without an offering better block their ears.

So Seriphone is not all that friendly?
Seriphone isn't so much evil. her intentions are good, BUT she is tainted, she gets what she wants by ANY means, so yes with that lust for a heart is manipulative and conniving. She's luring people and convincing them she is just wanting what is best, in reality, she has a few tricks up her sleeve and maybe has ulterior motives, but I don't want to give too much away.

Do you have any advice for strangers who seek to explore your territory?
For those who follow her and do her bidding, she has an interesting reward that may just make you want to jump to her aid. You're in for quite a treat. But be warned. Seriphone is a sneaky siren.

Jas Tavares will be appearing at The Goblin Ball as wandering songstress in the Grand Ballroom from 7pm - 12am performing on the spot songs of the swamp. Providing entertainment and enchantment this Siren is not to be missed. Trade a trinket or two for a song on the night and leave with your life in tact.

Would you like to win a double pass to The Goblin Ball 2015 and two decks of Tarot Cards featuring your own design, presented in limited edition collector boxes? 

Total Prize value $320

Dark Realm Events is looking for the next Goblin Artist to help design the official Goblin Ball Tarot Cards. These tarot cards will be sold at events hosted by Dark Realm. Dark realm is a company that prides itself on creating evenings of mythological and mystical immersion and this is your chance to become part of the magic.

The Goblin Ball Tarot Design Competition is open to all fantasy artists and enthusiasts alike. See the below guidelines to enter and if you have any questions we will use them to create a FAQ section below.

Submit your designs after reading the details below to AskUs@TheGoblinBall.com

1. We are looking for a design that incorporates the four elemental kingdoms of The Goblin Ball 2013 - 2016. This includes The Ice Kingdom, Ember Rule, Terra Bayou and Starlantis.
   
2. Full color entries only please however work in progress or detailed sketches are accepted. Completed artwork will need to be submitted for final judging.
   
3. Information of the four realms can be found here.
   
4. Artists designs can be in the format of illustration, painting, portraiture or photography. Any visual art medium is acceptable. Get creative!
   
5. The design should leave space for The Goblin Ball logo to be added. See below for the placeholder logo. Feel free to add it into your design.
   
6. High resolution files only as all details of the artwork may appear on the card face
   
7. Your artwork should be able to be resized to fit the size of 70mm x 121mm (or 2.75" x 4.75” when printing)
   

The Tarot Suit
The Tarot suit that the cards will be used for is the Rider Waite suit. More details about the history of the Rider Waite Tarot here.

ROLL UP! ROLL UP!

The most exciting sale is here!!

Get in fast to get 2 high resolution digital images from the fabulous Goblin Ball for the PRICE OF ONE! 
MADNESS!!
But get in quick, sale ends on the 19th!

Just head to this link: 
http://www.ellenduffy.com/p951120886
Select which photos you want, and select package 
‘Buy One Get One FREE’!

Support your local artists! All proceeds going to Ellen Duffy finally having an photography exhibition at the end of the year, huzzah!


Remember by purchasing photo's of your Goblin Ball experience also helps The Goblin Ball with enticing photographers the calibre of Ellen Duffy back to the next event! We can't wait to bring her back next year!


Click the photo below to take advantage of this phenomenal deal!

The Goblin Ball 2014. What can we say? So many astonishing guests and so many amazing adventures were had on the evening of the 14th of July 2014. The realm of Ember Rule was a far cry from the Ice Kingdom and everything was so different. We offer a reflection on our past and give hint to the future of THe Goblin Ball in 2015.
Photos in this post are on behalf of Ellen Duffy Photography who provided the photoshoot for the evening! Be sure to check your shots here!

The Goblin Ball: Ember Rule was phenomenal all thanks to our guests and the artists involved. Lizzie Sharp provided the makeup crew who created the creatures who inhabited the event and the photographers made all of our guests feel special.

Guests were welcomed to a Goblin Marketplace that had several amazing artisan stalls including Nightshade FX and Roseberry bay soaps.

Pintina arrived, forcefully returned to face a family of Gods who were quick to forgive. Guests were invited to choose her fate - Bless or Damn. In the end Pintina was presented at the end of the Walk of The Gods and Blessed with Demi Goddess status.

Through the evening Animata String Quartet played renditions of songs from Game of Thrones to Labyrinth allowing our guests to be immersed in the romance of the evening. Lamplight Circus and Lee from Melbourne Magic festival provided the wandering entertainment  and Shimmy Bliss once again proved hypnotic. Omega kept the Gods inferno pumping with song requests in a red lit room of DOOM!

The Quests were more popular than we had intended with over 200 quests being completed before 10pm. Next year we will grow this side of our guest experience and maybe making things a little harder and more immersive!

By the end of the evening as guests had grown weary of photoshoots and adventures we closed the doors at 12. Pintina had double crossed Ember Rule by stealing the heart of the God and left  a clue beckoning us to follow her to Terra Bayou.

Next years adventures will surely be interesting as we explore The Power of Voodoo!

Just Who were these Ringmasters who ran around the venue?
You may have seen the 5 Ringmasters running around the venue and sometimes talked to a few. But what were their roles on the evening?
The Ringmasters are actually the production crew who have been working hard (sometimes up to a full 12 months before) to make sure the event runs as best as it can.
The story line of the Ringmasters isn't something that was accidental. The Ringmasters are here by appointment of Jaggies - a mysterious figure who may be revealed in an event or two - but all you need to do is remember to seek them for help and fun on the evening.
The Ringmasters were all amazed by everyones efforts on the evening and we can't wait to see you again next year!

Pintina
Congratulations, thanks to our guests Pintina survived another Goblin Ball. Last year the brat Princess schemed and harassed our guests to make sure they felt uncomfortable. This year with the possibility of being granted Demigoddess status, Pintina grew up a little and with some handy positive PA from the Acolytes from the realm of Ember Rule Pintina reached that goal - only to double cross Ember Rule at the final moment replacing the Gods heart with a Voodoo doll. This could only mean we must follow her to Ember Rule and experience the Power of Voodoo in 2015!


The Acolytes
Our VERY valuable volunteers for the evening were wonderful in supplying help to the guests who were a little lost to find their way! Even the Guards of Ember Rule who provided Fire twirling and Belly dancing made quite the impression. Next year who can we expect to help our guests through Terra Bayou?

The Quest Masters worked tirelessly at taking our guests on adventures and making sure their motives where known.

Hasina made sure her love of Pintina won over the crowd and successfully won over the hearts of the guests.  Would the fact that Pintina double crossed Ember Rule sway her devotion?

Amak from The Ice Kingdom was unsuccessful and grew in anger toward Ember Rule. We wonder if he will attempt to travel to Terra Bayou to gain revenge. 

Bodhisattva was key in gathering guests runes to expose the future and she was able to use this information to expose that Maude was intending to steal the Gods heart - but did she know more than what she was letting on?

Maude - framed or foe? Next year as we travel to Terra Bayou we may see more of what he was attempting to do with the God's heart.

Paiva the Fire Goddess was awaiting the return of not only her God but also of Pintina. When Ebon came with the promise of forgiveness the were able to accept Pintina into her rightful place of Demi Goddess. 
Do they have forgiveness in their heart (the one left between them) to see past Pintina's shortcomings to allow her to reclaim her place in the family at a later stage or has Pintina escaped with the blessings, and the heart?

The Walk of the Gods at 10pm was amazing! There were so many fantastic costumes however Tracy and David (who came as a tree!) were the ones who the Gods bestowed the Title of Gods Honored. They took home a skull from Nightshade FX and double passes to next years trip to Terra Bayou. (Photos of the Tree Sentinel to come!)

So where do we go from here?

Terra Bayou is a world of New Orleans inspired Voodoo where we can be sure to see our Demigoddess Pintina explore and attempt to complete her next ulterior motive, but what could it possibly be?

Next year we bring an authentic New Orleans flavor to the Goblin Ball that includes Voodoo, southern charm and a little touch of death. Lets just say it won't be such a walk in Ember Rule for our dear Pintina. The Swampland of Terra Bayou awaits. Will you be invited to walk the Grand Mardi Gras for the Barons of Terra Bayou?

For updates and news be sure to follow The Goblin Ball on facebook and join The Power of Voodoo event!

We love feedback and it's all been wonderful however if you would like to give inclusions for next year feel free to submit them at The Goblin Ball page and we will do our best to consider your requests.

With The Goblin Ball almost two weeks away we thought we would let you guys in on a few secrets! On the eve of The Goblin Ball, creatures and royalty will be traveling from distant lands to pursue plans and party the night away. A magical night is planned for even the most mortal of creatures.

So if you are planning a night of drunken revelry or a chance to meet some like minded magical mates, The Goblin Ball will be a night where you can explore and take advantage of all the mysterious areas of entertainment.

In The Beginning…
Once upon a time there was a distant land called Ember Rule. The Acolytes of the land were nervous as rumors quickly spread from afar. Was the Fire God dead at the hands of the Ice Princess? Could the dastardly deed executed in The Ice Kingdom mean their most admired leader was nothing more than ashes? What could this mean for Ember Rule and was there any chance that these rumors were nothing but false words spread to cause unrest? The arrival of Princess Pintina is eagerly awaited as questions need to be answered.

A busy marketplace welcomes you…
As you enter the world of Ember Rule, as either a guest or a self made character you will be ushered into the Goblin Marketplace filled with many traders awaiting to eagerly take your money in trade of exclusive goods. Will you choose to take home a potion or magical lotion, maybe a horror replica or new costume is more your style? Perhaps you would like a psychic reading? We have many vendors who are happy to facilitate the removal of cash from your pouch. Don’t forget to cloak your cape!

The story begins…
In the Grand Ballroom the clock strikes 8pm. Pintina is ushered in from The Ice Kingdom after traveling one human year on the road (100 years for goblin kind). She has had a lot to think about before the faces she most scariest creature known to goblin-kind. Her birth mother. The Goblin Ball is officially launched and the revelry will continue till the clock strikes the magical hour of midnight.

Bribes welcome!
Did you come prepared to swap a few goodies? You may find that fellow revelers would be more than happy to help with a few bribes. Feel free to look into what you may want to trade with fellow guests in this post. We find the sweeter the deal, the more favorable the outcome. Who doesn’t love to leave a party with a few trinkets?

A Quest is presented…
The Goblin Ball is in full swing but you wish to assist to show your alliance with a certain realm. In the Goblin Marketplace Quest Masters await your assistance. 

• Amak the guard of The Ice Kingdom is calling for the head of Princess Pintina for the evil she has caused his Royalty. If you would like to wage war at The Goblin Ball Amak can help make those intentions known. 
  
• Hasina Ember Rule’s own High Priestess would love your help with pardoning Pintina and showing great forgiveness. Seek her if your heart is true and compassionate. 
  
• Bodhisattva the seer from Starlantis is seeking psychics to help with acquiring objects of knowledge to help expose a dark secret. If you feel guided by your inherent powers to assist, see Bodhisattva for purpose.
  
• Maude the Poppet Peddler from Terra Bayou is a purveyor of fine keys. If you see yourself as a rogue thief, he could use your assistance. 
  

Every good deed is rewarded with a prize, but will you be valiant or dastardly in your choice?

I’m ready for my closeup.
A selection of 6 professional photographers will be wandering The Goblin Ball ready to take photos of you and your friends.  The hardest choice you will have is who will be bestowed the honor to take your photo and who you would like to be seen with on the evening. The Gods, Acolytes and Quest Masters will be more than happy to oblige you with a pose or two. Ellen Duffy Photography will also be located in The Goblin Marketplace offering a photo shoot experience for those who wish to capture the moment with friends.

Play the song of my people.
The Gods inferno is a DJ room taking requests for the evening of The Goblin ball between the end of the opening show till the wind down of the evening (approx. 8.15pm - 11pm). Light trinkets will be handed out by Acolytes to those who wish to party in the red room including glow bands and finger lights. In The Grand Ballroom from 7 - 11.30 Animata String Quartet will play string renditions of modern tracks including a selection of songs from the movie Labyrinth. What a great opportunity to grab your loved one and waltz “As The World Falls Down”.

Take a walk 
The Walk of The Gods calls those in amazing garb. From 8 till 10pm costume scouts will walk The Goblin Ball handing out tickets to parade for the Gods at 10 pm. If you are lucky enough to be awarded the opportunity seek The Ringmaster Darko or O at 9.30 for instruction on what to do in the main hall. The parade commences at 10pm so be organized early for you may be awarded the prestigious title of best dressed for 2014.

Marvel at Entertainment most amazing.
In the Grand Ballroom we have wandering magicians, jugglers and dancers who dazzle and perform for your entertainment. The style is close up entertainment and you may find your friends lucky enough to be audience to some of The Goblin Balls most magical entertainment. Lamplight Circus, Magicians from the Magic Festival and Shimmy Bliss will all make an appearance at this years Ball.

The Evening draws to a close
Commencing from 11.30 the evenings drama draws to a close and the story ends. You are now welcomed to join in the official dance of The Goblin Ball, “Dance Magic” with all who made it possible and dance to other favorite tracks from fantasy movies until the clock strikes midnight.

We can't wait to have you as guests to Melbourne's very own Goblin Ball. Much fun is to be had for those who seek to party but also for those who wish to play a character. 
Book Now to avoid disappointment 

In 2013 an friendship was formed between a fantasy company and a well established Horror Company. Through countless Pizzas and an undying love for all that is Labyrinth, Nightshade FX from Wicked of Oz studios and Dark Realm formed a tight bond to bring The Goblin Ball 2013 to life. 

Transporting a movie set designed for trolls to the Regal Ballroom in Northcote, Nightshade FX helped bring the first annual Goblin Ball to life. This year they bring their amazing curios to Northcote Town Hall to take place as featured Vendor for The Goblin Ball 2014.

We caught up with them to see what we could expect this year!

How did you get started in the horror prop industry?

I blame Michael Jackson, Stan Winston, George Lucas and Wes Craven. I grew up loving music which naturally lead me to Michael Jackson who dominated the 80's. I had the VHS of "Thriller", ya know, the one with the full short film and the making of at the end of it. I wore the tape out! I used to play it over and over and over, driving my mother insane. Something about those zombies man, they were just so pure, so perfect. Then came Nightmare on Elm street, I remember riding home from school and hiring horror VHS's and watching them before my parents got home from work then hiding them. Mum hated me watching them but hey, here I am right? 

Ive always been a creative kid, drawing zombies and vampires and dinosaurs, building cardboard costumes, or prop weapons which naturally lead to makeup and fx. After I met my future wife, things started to snowball when she had the opportunity to work on Troll Bridge (in its 11th year of production funnily), with director and our now best friend Daniel Knight. 

He is the main reason for everything to be honest. He trusted me straight up with handling gore on his short films. We made several films with him which lead to more contacts, more zombies, more films, then I met Justin Dix who gave me a chance to sink or swim on Red Hill, then I was hired for 100 Bloody Acres and The Babadook. Last year I started making human skull replicas cast from the real thing, then it just took off and now were swimming in them!

What was your favourite movie to work on and what were some of the highlights?

I'd have to say Troll Bridge and 100 bloody acres for totally different reasons. I got to go to New Zealand with all of my best friends in some pretty crazy locations from Lord of the Rings, with a Barbarian on a talking horse. Nothing can really compare to that sort of experience. On 100 bloody acres, shredding up a full silicone human replica, complete with muscles, veins, skeleton etc into a woodchipper with one of your favourite artists (Justin Dix) was unforgettable but the true highlight was honestly cruising to Adelaide with him. We were in the middle of nowhere talking about Star Wars (Justin made R2 and 3PO) when all of a sudden "DALE STOP!!!! STORMTROOPER!!!!" I s++t you not there was a Storm trooper in the middle of the desert walking so we stopped and got a photo with the guy. Life man, seriously!

What was the weirdest thing you have made?

I'd have to say a body covered in stab wounds that had to squirt like a fountain. Yup!

The thought of working horror freaks out some people. Have you had any scary experiences on the job?

Honestly when your life revolves around dead bodies, skulls, the occult, and the supernatural, not much scares me. If you really want to know, the general public scare me!

What can we expect at the Goblin Ball 2014?

I guess you'll just have to wait, though you can be sure, it'll be weird

A HUGE Thank you and shout out to Nightshade FX who have shown so much support with bringing The Goblin Ball to life.

If you would like to attend The Goblin Ball make sure you buy your tickets here! 

At The Goblin Ball some of our guests have decided they will be playing characters for the evening. This helps add to the magical nature of the evening and if you would like to do the same, feel free to imagine your own character. This is an amazing way to interact with other guests and also can help create memorable moments not only for yourself but also for other guests. If you would like to see how to prepare for the ball you can click here for more inspiration.

Darko the Ringmaster decided to catch up with one of the Guests Queen Thela of Selene to explore what her character was doing at The Goblin Ball and what other guests could expect when interacting with her on the evening.

Thank you for agreeing to answer some questions Queen Theia of Selene. Maybe you could begin by telling us a bit about yourself and where you come from?

It’s a pleasure to make time for the Ringmaster of the Goblin Ball. I am Queen of the Moon and Regent of the night sky. I obtained my titles an era ago after a war I waged against the God of Darkness whom, at that time, ruled over the night. I sacrificed the bulk of my powers in order to create the moon, illuminate the night sky and defeat him. I have watched over the darkness as his predecessor ever since. 

My kingdom, Selene, is situated on the dark side of the Moon and as such exists in an eternal night. Any citizen here will tell you the light side of the Moon is forbidden by our oldest and strictest laws. Selene is a place of old magic, from the days before magic had color or law. We don’t abide by the commonly accepted social definitions of right and wrong and it often shocks people to learn we allow the use of most forbidden magic here. 

We believe the intent not the medium of application is what is important. I’ve seen white magic used for great evil in my time, and black magic used to for a greater good. Everyone here has sworn fidelity in exchange for the ability to be who they really are in freedom. Some are admittedly monsters, but there are advantages to having monsters in our ranks. This makes us formidable. As we need to be, to keep the real horrors of the night in check.

At the Goblin Ball this year we expect to see many royals from all corners of The Goblin Realm. What brings you to The Goblin Ball?

Circumstances have forced my hand. There is trouble on Selene. We have tried to keep the situation contained, but the Moon is falling out of balance and I’m afraid the effects are beginning to be bleed over into other realms. Reports from my informants in Terra Bayou are particularly troubling. The sun that shines over their realm is dimming and that does not bode well. There is a reason why our creed is “Night falls over all kingdoms.”

Selene is not the only kingdom thrown out of balance. The Ice Apples are stolen, the Ice Kingdom is powerless, the Fire God is dead. I have been absent from court for over 100 years, but I cannot ignore the death of a God. Not when the last person to murder one was me.

I’m attending to reestablish my presence in these matters, to form alliances and gather information. I have a very particular purpose for attending the ball and I’m determined to obtain my objective. Everything depends on it and time is running out.

You have decided to to attend with other cohorts, who are they?

I think you will agree Ringmaster, protection for divinities and royalties alike at this event is paramount. Even though the Goblin Ball falls shortly after the full moon, when my powers are strongest, I am taking no chances. So far attending with me is the Commander of my Queensguard, Fenrir, and several representatives from the Order of the Dark Moon, which comprises of the most powerful magic-users in Selene: Scylla, the head sorceress of the order, Evienne Stormwalker and a trainee Lucille who has recently come to us from the Ice Kingdom. 
She made a personal request of me to permit her attend as part of the escort, which I permitted. I can understand and certainly reciprocate her desire to find out the truth of what happened in the Ice Kingdom. Other citizens of Selene and members of the Lunar Court are sure to attend, and we have operatives working to ensure our objectives from their respective factions. 
I am, of course, interested in receiving communication from other dignitaries before the night of the ball. I’m more than certain we are not the only one attending with our own agenda and I’m sure some of them would align with other’s.

As you are probably aware, last year there was a murder most foul and this year Princess Pintina is being brought to face the Fire Kingdom. Do you think you will help her profess her innocence or will you make sure she pays for her crime?

Her guilt or innocence... Hm. I suspect there is more to the story than that, but I can’t afford to devote my support and resources on the night purely to uncovering the truth of whether or not she is guilty or innocent in all senses of the word. My objective will be preventing her from becoming Demigoddess at any cost, and I will support any objective that supports that outcome. 

Put aside for a moment the murder of the Fire God, put aside the theft of the Ice Apples then what is left is the Princess herself. If her disposition is cruel then I will find a way to deny her divinity. 

Simple. I have more experience than most with cruel Gods. I also have other matters to investigate. How exactly a mortal Princess managed to murder a supposedly immortal God would be the most immediately pressing. If a God can be killed, what makes a God or Goddess in the first place? What is divinity? What bigger plot seems to be afoot here? How far are the troubles on Selene involved? This are the questions that trouble me, Ringmaster.

Is there anything you would like to tell the other guests about your attendance and what they can expect if they encounter you on the night?

We are happy to lend assistance to the objectives of others on the night in exchange for support and information for our own objectives. Other guests may hear rumors about why the light side of the moon is forbidden, a folklore about a 'monster' that lives there. The terrible things that happen on Selene during a New Moon and on Eclipses. 

The horrific deaths and the fact that the Queen doesn't age. Remember everything is connected and nothing is as it seems.

There you have it! Some interesting dynamics for the evening and Queen Thelia has learnt the mythology of The Goblin Ball! We can't wait to play with you all!

Tickets are selling fast so make sure to book yours ASAP!

This year we have a HUGE army of photographers at The Goblin Ball. 
Snapping guests are the likes of Matt from PMD studios, Kavita from Kapana photography, FreshPhotography and even GoreJess photography will be making an appearance. Ellen Duffy is not forgotten and has an amazing portfolio that even YOU could be added to!

Ellen Duffy is managing the photo shoot (photobooth) area in The Goblin Marketplace this year and making sure to capture people in their finery. She will also be wandering the event looking for some interesting characters to capture.

We thought we would catch up with Ellen Duffy from Ellen Duffy photography to work out how you can get the best photo from The Goblin Ball as a guest.

What so far has been your favorite event to photograph and what made it so exciting?

The most exciting that springs to mind would be the All Hallows Eve party in October last year, I’d never met more inspiring and creative people in Australia before that night. I started the night not knowing anyone and shyly bringing out my camera, then after a fantastic conversation with a white ice queen (who happened to be the organiser’s mother) following a glass of wine, I couldn’t put my camera down. I’d finally found a group of people that instead of having to disguise my weirdness, they embraced me the more strange I became! Every photo from that night popped for the crowd was as vibrantly electric and sparkly on the outside as they were on the inside. I follow them everywhere with my camera now!

You have an astounding studio portfolio too. Do you think this helps your event style in bringing an additional creativity?

I was trained in studio portraiture and weddings by two completely contrasting photographers which was an accidently fantastic happenstance and allowed me to one week focus on how to control every aspect of the light in a studio, to very quickly know how to set up a shot using one light during a wedding out on location, and having this balance in my photography is so important. I definitely prefer event photography to studio for I’m consistently excited by the challenge of each day- you never know what the lighting will be, how the patrons will accept you being there, what backgrounds you have to work with, etc. If anything I feel that my event work has helped me in the studio, for I have a lot less to worry about in the studio. It’s rather freeing being a control freak in a studio, then having the universe control you when you’re on location.  

If I saw you at the goblin ball, what should I do? Should I say hello or should I give you some crazy ideas?

Firstly, ALWAYS say hello. Even if you were a stranger I’d most likely say hello back then give you a cuddle (I feel people should hug first, talk later).  I’m very much always up for hearing crazy ideas but I come with a brain bursting full of them as well- with our powers combined we will create AWESOME!! Want me to photograph you hanging upside down whilst blowing bubbles out of the long pipe? I’m your girl. Want to interpretive dance with your friends and have me document it whilst I’m lying on the ground? Done. Never done acro yoga and want to give a go with your friends because you’ve had couple of drinks and you think the time is right? I’ll be there. Then I’ll photograph you falling over because that always entertains me.  

As a guest, what tips can you give me to be a good event model for the photographers on the evening?

Already as you’ve arrived you look SENSATIONAL and you’re picked what character you’d like to be for the evening, so EMBRACE IT! Always think, what would your character do? You in no way have to stand there with good posture and smile sweetly for the camera. Believe me, the more you let go and have a ball (see what I did there?) and stop caring about what anyone else thinks, the more fun you’ll have. If you’re not in the mood for a photo, feel free to tell me to leave in your fabulous character voice, and I will bow low and exit appropriately. But really, it was your fault for looking so good it made me want to stalk you with my camera.

What are you looking forward to most at the goblin ball?

I’m looking forward to seeing some of my cos play friends looking sensational, to helping people get out of their shell’s and have a laugh with me and my baby (my camera), to putting the camera down at some point and having a good dance (apparently my dance style looks like 1930’s crossed with old man dancing crossed with a minor fit), and to do my very best at creating some fabulous memories for you to look back when you’re old and showing your grandkids photos of how super cool you used to be.

We found this video while creeping through the underground. Let's see what they have to say. At The Goblin Ball we don't actually agree with this video. It's actually not that accurate but as Labyrinth enthusiasts go it misses a lot of the thoughts we know to make sense.

Firstly it covers the movie in over 8 minutes but you know - whatever gets you to chilly down.

Guests of The Goblin Ball are a special breed of creature. To help in making the evening magical some choose to come as their own characters adding an additional magic for those who come to party!

The Goblin Ball Characters Players event page has been created to help those who wish to play out a character for the evening find each other and plot an adventure. We have put together a quick reference for those who wish to know what story will be played out on the main stage for the evening and the chance to do your own creative work with your creature creation.

The Goblin Ball is a unique fantasy event in the way that it has its own mythology. The Goblin Realm includes four main realms that represent the four main elements. 

The Ice Kingdom, a land of frozen water from the heart of a cold cruel witch. Ember Rule is fueled from fire of the passionate love provided by a loving family who yearn for a reunion with their missing daughter. There amongst a world of Voodoo exists Terra Bayou, the swamps of an earth realm slowly dying but ruled by the Barons of the clay and plant. Above the tangible worlds floats the world of Starlantis, inhabited by psychics that drift in the ether.

In the earth year of 2013 The Goblin Ball was hosted in the Ice Kingdom to the bemusement of the creatures within. Known to the hosts of The Goblin Ball and under the instruction of the mysterious Jaggies, the Ring Masters busied themselves creating a distraction of grandeur. A murder had taken place the evening before in the Queens Garden. A body lay bare and the guests busied themselves helping to uncover the true perpetrator. 

As the evening drew to a close the guests grew wise and due to her repulsive countenance the Ice Princess Pintina was rightly arrested for her vile crime. 

Hark! Twists were uncovered! The body of the dead was that of the Fire God from Ember Rule, a neighboring realm and the brother of The Ice Queen! If things weren’t complicated enough the arrest was halted mid arrest when Amaryllis the old Hand Maiden of the Ice Queen provided additional scandal. 

It was revealed Pintina is the daughter of the Fire Gods. 

Kidnapped at birth and raised as the child of an Ice Witch, Is the evil in Pintinas heart able to melt, and if so - can her soul be redeemed with the elevation to demigoddess? Why did Pintina manage to smuggle out the last remaining Snow Apples from the Ice Kingdom? They were the source of the Ice Queens beauty - what purpose could they serve her?

This year The Goblin Ball is brought to the realm of Ember Rule. Acolytes await guests every whim and whisper. Gods and Goddesses aim to please with a kind blessing and a word of encouragement. The realm of Ember Rule is a world away from the harsh hostility of The Ice Kingdom.

The Ringmasters of The Goblin Ball have chosen Ember Rule for the human year 2014, but this year their motivation isn’t clear. The murderer has been identified and the perpetrator brought to answer for her crime, what could be transpiring?

This year The Ringmasters have caught rumors floating around that a mysterious guest is after the source of power from the realm of Ember Rule. The Gods heart is a hot commodity but would Pintina risk a penalty of death for the crime of stealing such a prize? And why have numerous market holders applied to bribe the guests with trinkets for assistance in their secretive tasks?

Amak a soldier from the Ice Kingdom is looking for Pintinas persecution. He wants your assistance with bringing her to justice, but does he wish to create a distraction to pass the blame should the opulent organ vanish?

Hasina the all forgiving high priestess of Ember Rule is looking to grant Pintina the power of Demigoddess status. Should she succeed is she looking to grab the heart and take the Fire Gods place on the throne?

Maude the Poppet Peddler of Terra Bayou. The world is crumbling and rotten from the inside out. Voodoo required the ultimate sacrifice, maybe he needs the heart to shine like a sun on the land to breathe new life.

Bodhisattva the Psychic from Starlantis could always use another star in the night sky. The heart of a god, shining in the middle of a new solar system should sit nicely with her realm. But why would she need one when the Psychics know all? Maybe that is the problem.

This year The Ringmasters of The Goblin Ball encourage you to seek the truth behind the motivations of our market holders and choose whether to bless or damn Princess Pintina.

The outcome could save a God and the world of Ember Rule, or leave the realm open to the same fate as the Ice Kingdom.

For those who wish to come in character and play with each other we have set up a separate event page where you can plot and plan on facebook. Hook up with other players and be sure to catch up on the evening to solve the mysteries!

The Goblin Ball Character Players is a page set up for guests. Guests support is minimal as it is set up to assist guests meet each other and plan their evil deeds.

Some tips to help create your evening

1. Respect Each Other
The Goblin Ball prides itself on being an all inclusive event regardless of race, gender, gender identity and sexual identity. Discrimination or bullying of any kind is not allowed.

2. Safety First
Make sure if you are meeting someone for the first time, do not arrange to meet outside of the event. Meet inside to make sure your safety is covered.

3. Preparation
Plan some fun activities, plan to work together on some of the quests for the evening and plan to bribe each other to get these jobs done! Maybe a little jewel can persuade an unexpecting guest to join your cause.

4. Character Interaction
Our creatures have gone through extensive training to help bring The Goblin Ball to life. Please be mindful of physical contact as our creatures are not allowed to engage in physical combat. Keep physical contact if needed during photo opportunities respectful and always feel free to ask for a hug.

5. The Storyline and Set Design
Bring your own motives and mythology and feel free to share them around. Words can be powerful and your mythology helps create the world we play in. Just be aware though - to avoid being arrested by Goblin Guards - please for your own safety keep off the thrones or set unless invited by a Ringmaster who would be happy to supervise your photographs if possible.

6. Use the Facebook Page
Guests are looking to play with each other and the easiest way to share your story before is to log on and post your story. Others may be swayed into joining your cause!

7. Have Fun
The Goblin Ball isn't to be taken too seriously. The best way to start a new adventure is to say "yes" to anyone who proposes a new idea or adventure. There are break out areas through the venue to allow you to converse and regroup. There are quests in the Marketplace to give you some jobs to complete! Choose wisely because once you choose a job you are aligned with that kingdom for the evening.


We hope this gives you some ideas on how to have an amazing time! Be sure to join The Goblin Ball Character Players for more fun!