When my friend Lea suggested Swingers: The Art of Mini Golf at Rising I turned up having no idea if we were seeing an exhibition about mini golf or playing it.

We were playing it!

I’d always wanted to see the Flinders Street ballroom I’d heard a lot about so it was such a treat to see the view over the station from the third floor, the pressed tin on the walls, and of course the ballroom itself, complete with a bag check area that must have been there for decades. The ballroom was smaller than I’d pictured but I could still imagine the wonderful dances that must have been held there, the romances formed, the excitement in the air.

Swingers is open until 31 August and I’d recommend it! It was quite busy when we went on a Saturday night so either go with friends and be patient or choose an off peak time.

I love this kind of thing happening in my city and feel very strongly the ballroom and whole third floor (and presumably second floor should be restored to its previous beauty and be returned to a venue for dancing, music and events.

Shout out to sponsors Verve Super who were so clearly feminist in the way they supported the event with feminist books and flyers (mini golf was invented by women!).

It definitely gave me a good feeling about the organisation.

Well done to all the creators and those who made it happen – I loved it!