The State of Blingola Party

On 26 June 2006, the normally subdued Johannesburg City Hall was alight with colour, style and glamour as entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson officially launched Virgin Money South Africa - a joint venture between the Virgin Group and ABSA Bank.

The arrivals were not just fast and furious, but blitzing and blinging as SA's elite in the industry put on their best faces, most outrageous outfits and a quest to leave their mark on the evening. With a guest list that seemed to burst at the seams, the cast of thousands including South Africa's A-listers from television, music, sport and the corporate world.

Notable appearances came in the form of SA's golden couple Amore and Joost van der Westhuizen, Idols winner Heinz Winckler and his new fiancé dressed in the vein of Romeo & Juliet; soapie star Shaleen Surtie-Richards and what party would be complete without the glitziest of them all - Miss South Africa - Tuli Sithole. Isidingo siren Kim Engelbrecht and her partner for the evening - comedian Joey Abrahams arrived with smiles on their faces that set the tone for an evening of lavish enjoyment. The celebs didn't stop there as Zwai Bala, Yvonne Chaka Chaka; Zuraida and Josh Lindberg and even Zinzi Mandela all made their way into City Hall.

The State of Blingola party entertained the twelve hundred strong guestlist with the sounds of Flash Republic, DJ Oskido and a fashion show featuring South Africa's hottest designs.

Sir Richard Branson made his much anticipated arrival in grand fashion, and was immediately met by camera crew eager to get a word in from the man himself.

His entrance caused a huge stir and was accompanied by city organs - which are more than 100 years old - that were used along with the DJs as the most exquisite food installation that has ever been done in South Africa was revealed.

Then came a very special evening for some partygoers who had entered their names into a lucky draw upon entry. After a few couples failed to claim their prize, eventually winners were chosen including; Nyoka King (who some may remember from Fear Factor South Africa) and her partner Leon Christodoulides as well as to the luckiest woman of the night - Miss South Africa Tuli Sithole who assisted Sir Richard in the onstage drawing, only to see her name drawn as well!

For a Monday night the party raged on well into the early hours of the morning with very few people leaving until they at least got glance at the man who undoubtedly threw the biggest bash of the year.