New York’s annual white party Diner en Blanc came to a dramatic end on Wednesday night as guests were drenched in torrential rain at the al fresco event.
The dinner, which sees hundreds of guests clad in white come together to dine outdoors, quickly took a turn for the worst as a thunderstorm swept the city - leading many to evacuate the area.
According to Untapped Cities, this is the ninth time the party has taken place and it was held in Battery Park. The party has a charming concept which originated in France in the 80s, starting with Dinner en Blanc founder Francois Pasquier telling his friends to all wear white for a picnic in the park so that they would be easy to find.
Guests are expected to bring their own food, table, chairs and tablecloth to dine with other Diner en Blanc attendees.
CBS revealed that around 5000 people were expected to attend this year, with over 60,000 on the waiting list to get into the mega exclusive pop up dinner. The night seemed to start well, with guests seen revelling in the atmosphere and covering the park in a sea of white picnic tables.
Guests were also seen enjoying a traditional moment in the evening, the classic napkin twirl.
But sadly the weather had other ideas. As rain began to pour, guests decided to try and make the most of a bad situation and powered through with umbrellas overhead - as well as some very resilient candles.
But even the bravest en Blanc attendees were bested by the weather.
Eventually, the event was called off. Guests were seen packing up the table and chairs as the party came to a dark and stormy end.
One Instagram user who witnessed the whole thing explained that there was a “mass exodus in the near constant thunder and lightening [sic]” that took place that night, adding that it was also the “only neighbourhood without a subway”.
Party goers were seen dragging their kit through the thunderstorm, their white outfits drenched from head to toe.
Better luck next year.
