Bongo’s Bingo turns ten this year, and to celebrate the global bingo smash is returning to Liverpool for “the biggest party in bingo history,” with two shows featuring live performances from N-Trance and The Cheeky Girls, as well as prizes, dancing, and – of course – bingo.
Immersive entertainment extravaganza Bongo’s Bingo is celebrating its tenth anniversary this week with “the biggest party in bingo history” at Liverpool’s Exhibition Centre, featuring performances from N-Trance, The Cheeky Girls, and Blue.
Since being founded in 2015 by Johnny Bingo and Joshua Burke, the entertainment phenomenon has conquered Australia, Dubai and New York, and will return to where it all began in Liverpool on 7 and 8 March.
“At first it was just me with a bingo machine and a laptop playing music and then it just took over and expanded,” said Bongo. “It quickly went from just students coming along to them thinking ‘oh I’ll bring my mum and nan too.’ You can just let your hair down and have a bit of craic.”
Over the last decade, Bongo’s Bingo has toured internationally, welcomed guests such as S Club, Five, Girls Aloud, Craig David and Basshunter, and spawned a raft of imitators – not bad for an event Bongo says he and Burke “started for a laugh.”
“Never did we think it would get to this. I’ve had messages from people who may not have gone out for years for different reasons and then they’re having the time of their life again, it uplifts them.”
That said, it’s still a shock to the extrovert.“Growing up I never dreamed I would become a performer or own a business. I feel lucky every day to be in this position and do something I love to do. It’s such a vibe when it’s popping off. It’s the people who are a bit sceptical or look at it and think ‘that’s not for me’ who actually come and love it the most. You get sucked into it.”
Talking to Confidentials ahead of the big anniversary party, Bongo added: “We’ve made it to a decade, so why not two? We’ve had our strongest ever start to the year which is a great way to start 2025. It’s been a truly crazy journey since day one and we’ve got loads more to achieve.”
“We’re right across the UK, debuting in new locations like Llandudno, Grimsby and Cambridge and all selling out so we want to keep going. I think we’ll just need a wee rest after the birthday weekend!”
