For six years, TukTuk Wine & Dine has served as a vibrant spot for patrons to unwind, enjoy delicious food, and savor memorable entertainment. The 6th-anniversary celebration this past May turned into a cherished, month-long affair, filled with community events, live performances, and a blend of tradition and new experiences that brought people together. Let us dive in and take a look at how TukTuk Wine & Dine celebrated this milestone, transforming each weekend into a lively gathering that was enjoyed by both regulars and new guests.
Launching the Anniversary Celebrations
To set the stage for its 6th-anniversary celebration, TukTuk Wine & Dine launched the month-long festivities with an engaging and community-focused event on Saturday, May 4th, 2024. Known for its dedication to fostering a lively and welcoming atmosphere, TukTuk aimed to create excitement around the anniversary through competitions that invited active participation and sparked interest among its customers. The approach featured two distinct events: an online competition and an in-person challenge at the launch.
The online competition was crafted to engage a broader audience, ensuring that even those unable to attend the launch event in person could join in the anniversary excitement. The challenge was simple: Guess the Artists and Band who would headline the main anniversary celebration. This competition brought a buzz to TukTuk’s social media channels, sparking conversations and fueling anticipation for the main event. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with enthusiastic participants eager to test their knowledge and engage with the TukTuk community. Kavinda Welarathne emerged as the standout winner of the online competition, correctly guessing the lineup and earning two complimentary tickets to the highly anticipated main event.
For those present at the launch event, TukTuk Wine & Dine added an extra layer of excitement with an on-ground competition. Special entry forms were distributed to each table, inviting guests to guess the artist lineup for the anniversary festivities. The activity created an electric atmosphere as the guests engaged in discussions, shared hints, and debated their guesses with friends and fellow guests. This interactive experience fostered a sense of camaraderie, blending fun and mystery into the evening. The in-person competition reached its climax when Damsara Adithya De Silva claimed victory by accurately guessing the lineup. His win was met with admiration from fellow participants, and, as a token of appreciation, he was awarded two complimentary tickets to the main anniversary event.
By combining online and in-person competitions, TukTuk Wine & Dine successfully created a sense of inclusivity and excitement leading up to its 6th-anniversary event. These activities not only built anticipation but also strengthened the bonds between the restaurant and its loyal patrons, reinforcing why TukTuk remains a cherished spot in the community.
Pre-Party on May 18th
With excitement building, May 18th marked the pre-party celebration, a musical event that served as a prelude to the main event. Held on a Saturday evening, the pre-party was designed as a gathering for music lovers, giving them a taste of the anniversary spirit and the energetic performances that lay ahead.
Headlining the pre-party was the ever-popular Tropic Candy, whose unique blend of high- energy performances and musical talent has made them a favorite among TukTuk regulars. Joining them on stage were Tharindu Nirmana, Pramuk Elica, and Sachintha Pulasthi as guest artists. Each artist brought something fresh to the evening, captivating the audience with their distinctive styles. Sachintha Pulasthi opened the night with his soulful melodies, setting a warm and inviting tone that captivated the audience. Following him, Tharindu Nirmana took the stage, energizing the crowd with his dynamic performance and a mix of contemporary hits that had everyone singing along and dancing. Pramuk Elica rounded out the evening, infusing the atmosphere with an unforgettable performance that left the audience wanting more.
With the pre-party drawing in around 200 attendees, the evening turned into a lively celebration filled with anticipation. Guests enjoyed the event, immersing themselves in TukTuk’s cozy yet dynamic setting. The pre-party succeeded in building anticipation for the main event while allowing guests to experience an intimate evening of live music, dancing, and shared enjoyment.
The Grand Celebration on May 25th
The much-anticipated main event on May 25th was the commencement of TukTuk Wine & Dine’s anniversary celebrations, designed to provide a memorable experience that would resonate with every guest in attendance. This event not only celebrated six years of TukTuk but also highlighted their commitment to honoring local traditions and creating a sense of togetherness.
The day of the main event, May 25th, began with a time-honored tradition: receiving blessings from the Rev. Father from Sylvester Church in Negombo, a city with strong cultural ties to the church. This annual blessing has become an essential part of the anniversary celebrations, reinforcing TukTuk’s gratitude for the support of the community that has been integral to TukTuk Wine & Dine’s success.
In addition to the spiritual start, the day included a staff appreciation breakfast and a special cake-cutting ceremony that brought the entire TukTuk team together. Staff’s hard work and dedication are the backbone of our establishment, and this moment of recognition was a heartfelt way to express their appreciation.
Although the month of May had been particularly rainy, the skies cleared up just as the main event began, allowing organizers to move forward with the day’s plans uninterrupted. It was a simple but meaningful gift, lending a clear and peaceful setting to the celebrations and ensuring the evening would be remembered by all who attended.
The main event, priced at LKR 3500, included an entrance cocktail for every guest, adding an extra touch of elegance to the evening. This change in setting provided an exclusive experience, allowing guests to enjoy the performances in a beautifully designed space that enhanced the evening’s atmosphere.
The main event’s entertainment was carefully curated, featuring a stellar lineup that included Tropic Candy once again as the main band. Their versatility and vibrant style kept the crowd engaged and dancing, while the addition of Romaine Willis brought a soulful vibe to the evening.
One of the highlights was the performance by Piyal Perera and Shenal Nissanka from the renowned Gypsies band. Known for their musical legacy, this dynamic duo added a nostalgic touch, taking the audience through a journey of classic hits and crowd favorites. The blend of Tropic Candy’s contemporary sound with the timeless appeal of the Gypsies duo created a musical experience that resonated with patrons of all ages.
The anniversary event featured an outdoor setup in the garden area, with the band performing under a stylish marquee. This departure from the usual indoor stage setup brought a fresh ambiance to the event, as guests enjoyed music under the open sky, surrounded by the lush greenery of TukTuk Wine & Dine’s garden.
Cheers to another year
The 6th-anniversary celebration was more than just an event; it was a journey of shared memories, community connection, and a testament to TukTuk Wine & Dine’s growth over the years. Each year, the anniversary celebration becomes more than just a date it’s a cherished tradition where regulars and new guests come together to celebrate the unique spirit of TukTuk.
The success of this event highlighted not only our team’s dedication but also the strong bond they share with their customers. The anniversary celebration would not be possible without the love and support of all the regular guests, who make TukTuk Wine & Dine a special place year-round.
Looking ahead, TukTuk Wine & Dine is already in the early stages of planning its 7th- anniversary celebration, aiming to build on the cherished memories and the resounding success of this year’s event. The restaurant continues to uphold its commitment to hosting unique, community-focused events that foster a sense of togetherness. Guests can expect an even more impressive lineup of surprises, outstanding performances, and unforgettable experiences in the coming year.