Event Review // Bongos Bingo at The Baths Hall

Saturday night and it was time for my first experience of Bongos Bingo at The Baths Hall in Scunthorpe. I’d seen the videos so I was kind of prepared for the energy to expect but until you are there you just can’t really imagine the absolute mayhem and madness that you are in for.

I’ve never been a bingo lover but with Bongos format, it doesn’t really matter because the majority of the time you’re on the benches dancing with a few numbers called in between.

It seems most people have been to a Bongos now, so I’m probably quite behind with the times. Upon entering the main arena of The Baths Hall it’s quite a surreal atmosphere with hundreds of people packed into rows. Quite daunting in fact, squeezing your way down a narrow bench side to grab an available space.

The intro video and countdown preps you and right from the off it’s dance, dance, dance and a sea of hands waving around in the air. It’s so hard not to get involved, even when you’re the designated driver, the vibe draws you in and you think, what the hell, climb up on that bench and get moving and singing.

There’s confetti and coco pops flying through the air and smacking you in the face, excitement like you’ve never seen over hoovers and karaoke machines. Full houses get you cash prizes. The bingo calling is fast paced but it’s what keeps this show rolling, so if you miss your numbers, it’s tough luck really.

This edition of Bongos was 90’s, so a few people dressed for the occasion, but I always find it’s a difficult era for fancy dress even though I grew up in the 90’s. Like what did we wear? Because I certainly wasn’t walking around looking like Geri from the Spice Girls in a Union Jack dress hanging out down at the park.

So, would I recommend the event…I would. It’s a decent event for the town and it was great to see that the town centre bars benefited from the footfall when the event kicked out, I’d say it’s definitely not suitable for anyone sensitive to noise or over stimulation because it’s a lot but it’s fun and it’s great getting up and getting involved. It is crazy, it is loud, it is a little bit scary but it’s well worth giving it a go.

Bongos have perfected their brand and the night runs very smooth and structured and the hype on stage goes down very well with the crowd. Not forgetting the Baths Hall staff that all work very hard and have massive clean up after.

What is Bongos Bingo?

It’s a crazy mix of traditional bingo, dance-offs, rave intervals, audience participation and countless magical moments, currently taking place in almost 50 locations around the world.

Bongo’s Bingo is a wild shared social extravaganza and a night of pure nostalgic escapism, with the chance to win iconic prizes from giant pink unicorns and Henry Hoovers to mobility scooters and karaoke machines at each and every show. It’s immersive, inclusive and incredible.

Everyone from 18 to 92 plays and parties together. There are no barriers and no limits.

18+ Only.

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