We Outside. We Pretty in Pink!
Rum n Wuk have become a reliable source of colourful, themed fetes all year round over the past year. And they were very serious about the pink theme back at the height of British summertime. They may as well have said, “wear pink or go home,” turning people away at the door. The event was equivalent to the Barbie movie premieres last year, except we were looking at an 800-strong room full of dancehall lovers and soca heads—it was real sweet.
Upon arrival, we received fluorescent pink wristbands and all-important branded cups, making sure partygoers stayed on brand—even while sipping concoctions of rum and other such spirits. Baby pink ribbons, fuchsia balloons, and other magenta decorative objects hung from the ceilings and adorned the venue’s walls. The vision was not only crystal clear but well executed. Cynics might only see the strict dress code policy as a marketing ploy, and let’s face it, the sea of pink was something to look at, but there’s something about maintaining the vibe as a collective. Those who are down to make an effort, those flaunting the theme wicked bad, also tend to come to fete hard.
I’m personally always grateful for the sunshine, and I hope the heatwaves we’ve been experiencing get drawn out throughout the summer. That said, it was too hot inside that Shoreditch venue. Yes, there was a space outside for us to cool off, but with no outdoor sound system, the tunes were just a murmur among the chatter. Fortunately, the energy was just as high as the temperature. Dancehall, soca, bouyon, reggae and an array of other sounds from the Caribbean filled the room. And when jab came on, the Grenadians, of course, let loose as Spice Islanders should.
With his roaming microphone and usual antics, Mr Influential played the role of MC with finesse. On one hand, he kept the fetin’ spirit high, which meant no rest for the wickedest waistlines. Yes, it was hot and steamy. The heat of summer officially touched down in London, and this fete harnessed that energy into Caribbean-flavoured joy. The girlies in pink did not come to play, and neither did the man on the mic tasked with hyping them up.
On the other hand, Mr Influential gently reminded partygoers that the DJ booth ought not to be used as a brace to secure whines. And rightly so. The decks on the table were one bunx away from unplugging wires, inciting major upset. At one point, the attentive MC even got Majikal to reload a record he thought he could quickly skip past, de-escalating the outrage of reggae lovers caught in their feelings. What that tells us is that the dance was alive.
View all the Pink Edition photos here.
It may have been a bit cloudy, muggy, and sometimes sunny over the past few weeks. However, summer isn’t over yet. Everyone should be keeping their fingers crossed for the sunshine to show out this carnival weekend.
Rum n Wuk will continue to party after we’re all done on the road with a costume party on 2 November 2025. See all upcoming events in the UK and abroad on the website: www.rumnwuk.com.
See you at the next one,
Kaeshelle x
