Following its relocation to the Octagon Centre, Bongo’s Bingo continues to captivate audiences across the country with its frankly bonkers blend of bingo-meets-clubnight. We caught up with Sheffield host Chris Mac, who shared some insights on the Bongo’s journey…
Can you share some insights on how your career as a host has evolved over the years with Bongo’s Bingo?
I’ve been a host for 5 years now. I said that out loud recently to a friend and I couldn’t believe it! It’s gone by so, so fast. I remember my very first show at a place called Canal Mills in Leeds and I was so nervous before it. I’ve spent a lot of times in bands pre-bingo and it felt like I was about to walk on to the biggest gig of my life. Since then, both myself and ‘The Bingo’ (as we call it) have both come a long way. That first show was a few hundred rowdy party dwellers but now the shows I do are mostly to around 900-1,000 punters.
What are some memorable moments or milestones you’ve experienced while hosting?
There have been so many over the years! I’ve had. a few marriage proposals, we’ve had some pretty intense dance-offs and we’ve had some really heart-warming stories when it comes to the big cash wins – people who were having a really bad run of luck in their personal life and then came along to a show and won a thousand pounds! My own personal milestone would be hosting the Sheffield XL shows a couple of years back. Around 2k people packed into the Magna Arena all to play bingo and party. The atmosphere was super charged, and the shows were something I’ll genuinely remember for the rest of my life.
How has the reception been from the Sheffield audience since the relocation to the Octagon?
Sheffield has always been one of the biggest Bongo’s Bingo cities – it’s always sold-out week in and week out and the crowds are always incredible. High energy, good vibes, no trouble… it’s a real mix, too. Sometimes you get 18-year-olds out with their Mums and their Nans! We’ve had great feedback with our new Sheffield home and it’s one of the region’s most iconic venues to be in.
Are there any specific features of the Octagon Centre that enhance the Bongo’s experience?
The production levels at The Octagon are immense. The thing with Bongo’s is that you could set us up with a little p.a. in a park and it would be great – we’d make it work, we’d get everyone up and we’d get everyone involved, but when you take that and add a huge sound system paired with massive screens and absolutely hilarious visuals throughout the show – you’re talking about a very unforgettable experience.
What special plans are in place for celebrating the 10th anniversary of Bongo’s Bingo?
That would be telling. All you have to do is look at past events we’ve done and the sheer scale of them to get an idea of what’s going to be happening, but as for the finer details, we’ll be keeping our cards close to our chest!
What do you believe is the key to Bongo’s Bingo’s success over the past ten years?
First of all, I think a lot has to do with escapism – when you walk through the doors at Bongo’s you’ve left your everyday life. You’re in a room full of like-minded people all there for the same reason – just to have a good time. It’s like a Christmas party or a wedding do, one of those atmospheres that you just can’t help but get caught up in. Secondly, I think the value for money. You’re there for around 4 or 5 hours – it’s your complete night out – you don’t need to plan anything else, just buy your ticket and you’re in and that’s you sorted!
Bongo’s Bingo
The Octagon Centre, Clarkson Street, Sheffield, S10 2TQ
www.bongosbingo.co.uk for tickets and info.
@bongosbingo
www.facebook.com/bongosbingo