Diner en Blanc event abandoned due to hail and lightning

The Diner en Blanc concept was launched by Frenchman François Pasquier over a quarter of a century ago. Guests arrive dressed only in white, at a site kept secret until shortly before the celebration begins, and celebrate elegance and decorum while enjoying a “chic picnic”.

Events are hosted at carefully chosen sites all around the world.

The University of the Witwatersrand’s Library Lawns were the chosen venue this year, a decision that provoked mixed reaction among punters, many of whom felt that the location was not as grand as that utilised last year – the space around the imposing War Memorial in Parktown.

Nevertheless, the party was well under way, with guests setting up their own lavish table settings and enjoying the blue-lit backdrop of the Wits Great Hall, strings of fairy lights in the trees and musical entertainment by The Muses when the storm arrived.

Organisers had no choice but to suspend activities. At the time of writing, there was no update regarding whether the event would be re-staged.