INSIDE THE BONGO’S BINGO PHENOMENON
It is nigh impossible to have missed the raucous stories and rave reviews circling the social extravaganza that is Bongo’s Bingo. Market-leading and internationally infamous, this UK based events company has revolutionised a game, once resided to the bingo halls of the 1960s, into a flourishing business model.
Days before Bongo’s Bingo’s 8th Birthday weekend, Jess Helliar, Operations Director, talks to NDML about risks, rewards and business relationships. Jess also drops some exclusives about Bongo Bingo’s big plans, big partnerships and big worldwide events coming up.
#WeAreNightlife’s mission is to highlight business’ who have successfully diversified and impacted the sector for the better. Bongo’s Bingo won Time Out’s Most Original Night Out Award, personifying immersive inclusive escapism within UK nightlife.
THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH JESS IS AVAILABLE AT:
NDML.CO.UK/WEARENIGHTLIFE AND YOU CAN READ SOME SNIPPETS OF NDML’S CONVERSATION WITH JESS BELOW:
It’s the 8 year anniversary of Bongo’s Bingo, what are you doing to celebrate?
September this year is Bongo’s 8 year anniversary. Their huge celebratory show came the weekend after Jess spoke to NDML – she pitched the two sellout shows in Liverpool which will feature Craig David and a grand prize of a trip to New York.
Jess drops an exclusive, that Bongo’s Bingo will be taking on New York!
They’ve booked their first shows stateside for February 2024.
You’ve played in some amazing venues! How do Bongo’s Bingo make the most of each venue and what have been the challenges?
Jess explains they work in over 40 venues, including the Albert Hall, Boilershop and SWG3. There are challenges at each venue, including pinch points and movement within the space. Daytime shows have been the answer in some cases. Bongo’s Bingo are looking forward to the challenge of hosting in London’s Soho.
We ask Jess about a special moment that stands out to her from Bongo’s Bingo’s 8 year history…
Jess says Australia stands out to her as a momentous achievement.
However she chooses an event closer to home, in Bramley Moore Docks in Liverpool. Bongo’s Bingo’s first large-scale show, the event was a risk, a change of pace for the indoor venue-based business. However thanks to the external support, the hard work of the team, and of Jess herself who ran the event, the show was an incredible success.
Escaping the limitations of working with mainstay venues, Bongo’s Bingo successfully adopted a cool new model and diversified into their future plans.
Watch the full interview with Jess alongside a host of other fascinating industry figures at:
