I’ll be honest, the Wednesday daytime parties can be very variable and it’s hard to predict ahead of time just how busy it’s going to be. Usually when it coincides with a public holiday, such as the Ekka Wednesday you can expect big numbers and plenty of people. at other times it can range from being a quieter event all the way up to full on from start to finish. I would recommend giving it a go at least a few times to get an idea of how variable it can be.

I would also suggest being there from the start if possible. There is usually a lunchtime surge between midday and 2 pm where people drop in while they are having a long lunch break from work. After 2 pm it often slows down a bit when people leave to go back to work or pick up kids from school etc.

When you arrive, assuming it’s around the starting time, you can expect most people to arrive within the first half hour. it might be mostly social initially as people greet each other and talk and catch up, but you will see people quickly disappearing into the open playroom or into the private playroom, depending on their preferences. The important thing to keep in mind is that everyone is there for the same reason, it’s not a pub or a club and the regulars especially are there to play and have fun while they can. Etiquette for open room is pretty much you are free to walk in and watch what’s going on. If you feel confident about wanting to join in, just ask. it’s not a complete free for all, consent is still king, and it’s important to get someone’s clear attention and permission before you interact with them sexually. If they are already busy and distracted, just wait for an appropriate moment to get their attention and ask, don’t interrupt if they are in the middle of something. A gentle tap on the shoulder to get their attention isn’t considered offensive, as long as it’s done respectfully. Just keep in mind that if the answer is no, then you shouldn’t ask them repeatedly unless they have given you a response that indicates they are currently busy but potentially open to you approaching them again later on. If in doubt, just ask one of the other regulars for advice on how to read the room.

If you do get the nod, keep in mind that everyone has different boundaries when it comes to play. If it’s somebody, you haven’t played with before, and don’t know what their personal preferences are, it’s best to assume that the initial yes only gives you permission to touch them above the waist and on the rear and arms and legs. Intimate, touching below the waist and any form of penetration should be separately confirmed with them as well before you do it. The same goes for kissing as well as oral sex. If you do end up coming back to future Parties it’s important to still ask them again for permission out of respect as well.

This might all sound overly complicated, but in reality, it only takes a few moments and doesn’t disrupt the mood. If anything, it’s expected behaviour for this kind of environment, and one of the reasons it’s considered a safe space for this kind of play.