Office party for the unemployed

THE DRESS code is glad rags only for the Office Christmas Party for the Unemployed on December 20th in the Grand Social venue (formerly Pravda) at Ha’penny bridge in Dublin city centre at 8pm.

Damien Glynn, one of the organisers wants it to have “an event feel” as would a real office function to give people who have had a tough year a reason to come out and party.

The 26-year-old freelance photographer and club promoter says with unemployment reaching 13.4 per cent and many of his friends leaving the country to find work, the time has never been more right for a festive shindig to relieve the gloom.

The event promises “potential mistletoe moments of a real office party”, donated spot prizes and limbo dancing competitions. There will also be cheesy Christmas music provided by a DJ and live bands including wedding outfit Till Death do us Party, who are all doing it for free.

The event is free and is for the unemployed only, says Glynn, so proof will be required. “It’s for people who really need it and mightn’t get out much to party and it’s for people of all ages,” he says.

There will also be a version of Secret Santa. Anyone who brings a wrapped present either handmade or costing less than €5 will get one in exchange.

“It’s not supposed to be a life-changing event; it’s just a bit of fun for people who need it,” says Glynn.