Welcome 2012 Ibiza style

Demi HEWAMANNA

In just 24 hours time we say goodbye to 2011 and as we know most goodbyes are always welcomes in a grand manner. The end of one year is no exception. Every 31 of the last month in the calendar, everyone gathers together - to reminiscence the good times, create amazing magic with one another and maybe just go crazy for the first time in one's life.

This year end will be truly one to remember. The team of Lanka Event Management have got together to give simply the BEST in everything they offer. Zest got together with Lanka Hotels and Travel Director Malinga Fernando to know more of what they are upto for the 31st.

Paradise Ibiza

"The party we are having is Paradise Ibiza 2012. We want to bring about a new concept to the people of Sri Lanka.

This is the first time in the country where it's going to be an All Inclusive party," Malinga said. We will be having an open bar from the start of the party till the time the party winds up. It will also be the longest Ice bar where basically everything will be completely made of ice (50 tons of ice by the way) and the longest fireworks display as well coordinated from the sea (safety first with fireworks).

The night will definitely not be complete without the one thing that we all love best in this world and that brings this world together - MUSIC. "We are bringing down DJs who have performed with and opened for world renowned DJs like Bob Sinclair, Paul van Dyke, Edward Maya and the man himself Tiesto.

DJ lineup

The lineup consist Dim Chris - resident DJ of Clubbing TV and is one of the most sought after French DJs. Malinga added that Dim Chris has done a single with UK pop artist Amanda Wilson - You Found Me. Next one on the list is Mexican sensation Broz Rodriguez who has being working with the DJs mentioned above.

Last from the international list is Che Jose (origin Columbian), now residing in Australia and makinga big hit in the clubs Down Under with his originals and mixes that have topped the Australian charts.

And from the sand of Sri Lanka, they have got Shan D - leading R&B, Hip Hop Djs in Colombo. Then they have got Dilruck - a name everyone knows in the nightlife. He is the 2006 Denon DJ of the Year and from then on he started climbing up the ladder.

Ministry of Sounds

Last but not least there is Van Luup who started off with introducing Ministry of Sounds to Sri Lanka and making his name in the clubs of Middle East. There will also be entertainment by the KISS entourage. There will be two hot dancers from France to make everyone get in the groove along with Sri Lanka dance acts as well.

NYE beach party

"Very few of the people who are into events know what they are doing. When I was working at the Hyatt Atlanta, working with an international team, I got the chance to see how an event is done and the full work that is put into it," Malinga added.

The main concept of having it on the beach is because there is no other NYE beach party in Colombo. After all we are an Island and we have to show the public that we have beautiful beaches and to explore them. We should be proud of Sri Lanka and a lot of foreigners love our beaches and what better way to experience it than a NYE on the beach. Plus people should be feeling free when they want to celebrate a grand event like this - without the suit and tie.