Team behind Archie’s Clubhouse determined to make return to CBD
Popular summer nightspot Archie’s Clubhouse wants to return to the city this year and rival events such as the RCC – but COVID-19 could dash their plans. Would you go back to it?
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The team behind the popular Riverbank Pontoon hot spot Archie’s Clubhouse have proposed a bigger and better return to the CBD in December to “support the arts and cultural sector”.
But organiser Midnight Oats remains unconvinced state government restrictions would allow the event to go ahead, despite the support of Adelaide City Council staff.
A council committee will tonight discuss the group’s plan to set up the night spot and music festival for up to 1500 people at Ellis Park, near Adelaide High School.
Co-organiser Harrison Raphael, also part of the driving force behind Hindley Street haunt Loverboy, said he was trying to be “stupidly optimistic” the event would go ahead.
But state government restrictions on drinking and dancing remain in place, making it difficult to put on an event of that scale.
“We just don’t think we will be able to get a 1500-person music festival by the end of the year – we are running on sheer optimism,” Mr Raphael said.
“It would have brought a lot of money into the city, and it would be money into our pockets too, which have been dry the past six months.
“If things like Falls and Beyond the Valley aren’t going on, I just think everyone will be in the same boat.”
The venue, described as an “abstract, artistic representation of a house with interactive art exhibitions”, would open in December and close by January 2.
It is a joint venture between Mr Raphael, Danny Cooray and Dylan Auciello.
Mr Raphael has experience working at large outdoor events, having spent two years at Royal Croquet Club.
“The demand for something like Archie’s is definitely there … we just need to see some commitment from the State Government,” Mr Raphael said.
A council report said the venue – which incorporates live music, stand-up comedy, open-air cinema and food and beverages – would “support the arts and cultural sector”.
Deputy Lord Mayor Alexander Hyde said it would be a “great activation” and hoped SA Health would approve it.
“These guys have proven themselves to be good operators and we need events like this as we come out of COVID to help the night time economy recover,” Mr Hyde said.