Category: Entertainment

Immerse yourself in contagious creativity at new London events space St James Theatre

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Come and explore the characterful St James Theatre, newly available to the London corporate and private events venue market, at an exclusive, private tour hosted by event manager Adam and his team. The coffee morning takes place on Wednesday 25 February at 8:30am. If you’d like to be there, please email [email protected] to request a place.

St James Theatre is the first newly-built theatre complex in Central London in 30 years. Located just around the corner from Buckingham Palace, it plays host to cabaret, comedy, music and theatre with current shows including the critically acclaimed Bad Jews.

The theatre is a perfect venue for product launches, private screenings and for more intimate creative workshops. It’s only a few minutes from Victoria station and boasts an intimate 312-seat theatre available for daytime events and a flexible 100-seat studio, a wonderful live entertainment space that lends itself to becoming a flexible and self-contained corporate events venue. The St. James Bar and Brasserie and the Carrara Restaurant offer a range of stylish, informal dining options.

Explore more here and to request a place on the private coffee morning tour, please email [email protected].

World War I poster campaign art: A lecture at Army & Navy Club

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Join David Bownes, Assistant Director of Collections at the National Army Museum, for a fascinating insight into the uses of posters during the First World War. This special World War I lecture takes place on Thursday 5th February 2015 at 18.30 at the Army & Navy Club in London.

The Great War coincided with a golden age for this relatively new art of advertising. Throughout the conflict striking and colourful poster art was used to recruit soldiers, promote investment in the war, keep up morale and, of course, to vilify the enemy.

Don’t miss this unique evening. Tickets must be pre-booked. Please contact Elana Kruger, email [email protected] or phone 020 7827 8031.

QEII Centre unveils spectacular new look at launch event

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The QEII Centre opened its doors to clients, event agencies, buyers and media at its official, invitation-only launch party on Thursday 13th November.

With walls flooded in icy blue lighting, candle-lit lanterns buried in mounds of fluffy white snow and an ice sculpture etched with an iconic Big Ben scene, guests to the QEII Centre were welcomed into a winter wonderland inspired foyer for champagne, served from a twinkling pop-up bar. It was a wow-factor moment for those who hadn’t yet experienced the new-look entrance, now bright and spacious, with raised ceilings, sleek airport style check-in desks, multiple ultra-wide 29-inch screens, a concierge desk, a video wall made up of nine ultra-slim bezel 55-inch screens and the new Sanctuary executive lounge.

True to the wintery theme, two friendly huskies stole much of the limelight, until QEII Centre chief executive Mark Taylor took to the podium to introduce the official launch of a rebranding project 18 months in the making.

The centre then turned up the heat as guests shimmied upstairs into the tropical themed Pickwick Suite to the sizzling sounds of Cuban band Kandela mi Son and the energetic moves of ultra-glam, feather-clad Samba dancers from Brazilian Fantasy.

Cocktails, canapés, delicious bowl food and a dessert station by Leith’s fuelled guests for some action on the sparkly gold dancefloor. Hot dishes served included ‘tequila and lime confit salmon, black bean, coriander rice’ and ‘pumpkin tortellini and roast artichoke velouté’, while desserts included ‘mojito macarons’ and ‘pineapple cake with vanilla buttercream’.

Speaking of The QEII Centre’s re-launch event and the process of evolving this iconic brand, Taylor said:

“It’s a proud moment as we officially launch the spectacular new look we’ve achieved through the first two phases of our £12 million capital investment programme at the QEII Centre. We’ve been ‘quietly evolving’ over the past 18 months and beneath our new look we have been building and strengthening our business to bring to you a centre of excellence. This re-launch event is just one of many milestones in the delivery of our new vision.

“Following a strategic audit we developed our comprehensive building master plan; one that expressly complements the original finishes and strengths of the building’s architecture and provides practical and innovative solutions to improve our visitors’ total experience.

“We’re sexier, trendier and more confident than we’ve ever been before thanks to the installation of cutting-edge technology and luxury fixtures and fittings. The welcome has been reenergised too, with a new concierge team, a bright and spacious new foyer and a more discrete day-to-day security presence. We wanted to break down the barriers to the welcome.

“In branding terms, we have not only rebranded in a contemporary design to reflect our vision going forward, but we have also altered our name to simply ‘QEII Centre’ to reflect the diversity of our event portfolio and capabilities. We’re always a centre for conferences, but also for exhibitions, fashion shows, product launches, banquets, awards presentations and more. A focal point for knowledge and for fine service.

“The QEII was built as a beacon of British excellence, craftsmanship and technology and we are determined to return the centre to its former standing as London’s finest multi-purpose events facility.”

The bold new brand identity is reflective of the change that has taken place within The QEII Centre. Colin Green, creative director at Wildfire, the integrated creative agency responsible for the centre’s new branding, said:

“We wanted to establish the venue as a go-to destination, where clients are continually delighted and expectations are always exceeded; a place to be bold, to challenge perceptions, in the boundless pursuit of perfection. Moving forward the QEII Centre will firmly establish itself as London’s finest specialist events venue, becoming renowned for delivering professional, award-winning events that put the needs of the client at the heart of their philosophy.

“Wildfire are particularly proud of watching this iconic venue begin to realise its true potential. There is further change on the horizon, so watch this space.”

Suppliers to the re-launch event included in-house caterer Leith’s, event management company Wonderland Events, creative communications consultancy Custard Communications, Instagram photobooth creator Social Playground and talented band Kandela mi Son.

Follow news of the venue’s new look on twitter @QEIICentre using hashtag #QEIILookAtMe and on Instagram @qeiicentre

Explore the hireable events spaces available at the centre by visiting www.qeiicentre.london.

 

The name’s Bond. Bond in Motion.

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By Susan Heaton-Wright, managing director at Viva Live Music

Recently I was fortunate enough to be invited to an event hosted by The Westminster Collection at the wonderful London Film Museum in Covent Garden. The museum was hosting an exhibition of James Bond film artefacts, well mainly cars! The space had a number of iconic cars from the James Bond series of films. We weren’t allowed to sit on the bonnets for photos but the way they were lit up meant that you could really appreciate the design of the cars. What made it even more exciting was that there were short clips of the cars in the films behind each exhibit, so you were able to have a visual reminder of where the car appears in each film.

A background sound loop of the main James Bond theme played throughout the museum, but it wasn’t too loud. It just provided the visitors with an audio reminder.

The gentlemen at the event were SO excited about the cars. A number of them had their own Matchbox models (yes really!) but to see the full sized cars was very exciting. The exhibition also had some smaller props, such as a James Bond watch and his British Passport. There was also a gift shop where James Bond gifts were available to purchase. I had to drag my husband away from this!

The space was great. The area is a blank canvas and the curator had used the space so effectively. The event included some great drinks and canapés by KAI Catering and these were served in a bar area, although the waiters could serve it thoughout the space.

So, as we are an entertainment company who provides theming, what would we do to enhance the event? Well, with the theming in the museum, you need to do little more! However, the waiters could be dressed in formal wear and there could be “meet and greet” Bond Girls, Villains (Jaws is always good) and a James Bond. Everyone has a phone now, so to have photo opportunities is always great! If you wanted a featured entertainment spot, you could have a Bond Girl singing a couple of Bond themes or a 5-minute Octopussy Dance with Bond Girls. In my opinion, I would have a short featured entertainment spot as the venue does a lot of the work!

Michael Jackson hologram tech available at 8 Northumberland Ave

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A hologram of Michael Jackson graced the stage of the 2014 Billboard Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday 18 May, when the late King of Pop ghost-walked the moon walk in a performance of newly released single ‘Slave to the Rhythm’ from his posthumous album ‘Xscape’. It’s an album made up of unreleased material remixed by artists such as Timbaland.

The digital projection mirrored many of the pop icon’s signature moves and was accompanied on stage by a troupe of real-life dancers. It was an act that captivated viewers around the world, using technology previously seen in the ‘resurrection’ of rapper Tupac Shakur at Coachella 2012 and deceased rappers Ol’ Dirty Bastard and Eazy-E in 2013. The Westminster Collection also used it to bring tourism expert Tracy Halliwell to the stage at Destination Westminster 2013 venue showcase.

Event bookers can replicate similarly mind-boggling marvels at central London event venue 8 Northumberland Avenue, where the very same holographic technology is available for hire. 8 Northumberland Avenue was the first venue in the UK to partner with Musion, the world leader in 3D holographic technology.

Options for entertainment include an all-singing Frank Sinatra plus a number of other modern day and retro acts. To explore the Ballroom as a setting for your next event, or for information on booking holographic entertainment and performances at your next product launch, party or conference, click here.

Edible Cinema teams with BOMBAY SAPPHIRE for Romeo & Juliet at BAFTA

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This Sunday 3 May, BAFTA 195 Piccadilly will play host to Edible Cinema and BOMBAY SAPPHIRE as the iconic venue stages a special screening of Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo & Juliet. It moves from the Electric Cinema on Portobello Road to the home of British film following the phenomenal success of previous screenings.

Guests will be treated to an edible adventure through the film, where experiences will range from a ‘tongue sandwich’ as Romeo and Juliet share their first kiss, to a mini vial of ‘poison’ as the film reaches its epic climax. As guests take their seats, the divided room will become apparent with one side Capulets and other Montagues. Each side will receive different cocktails, inspired by the two families.

The first of its kind, Edible Cinema is a collaboration between Soho House chef Jake Rigby Wilson, Soho House events manager Zoe Paterson, renowned experience organiser Polly Betton, BOMBAY SAPPHIRE mixologist Sean Ware and BAFTA 195 Piccadilly head chef Anton Manganaro. The concept truly enhances the film using taste, aroma and texture to heighten the viewers’ sensory experience of the film’s most famous scenes.

The screening will kick start Edible Cinema’s 2014 programme of events, with new films scheduled for the summer, Halloween and Christmas. All film titles and dates will be announced via the Edible Cinema website.

Concerts, exhibitions, botanical art: 5 things to do in Westminster this April

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The City of Westminster will play host to some of the capital’s most exciting events this April, from restaurant openings to concerts and exhibitions. Here are five top picks to explore:

1) 12 ‘Bach to Bach’ hours of music to celebrate the composer

What: Bach Marathon – Monteverdi Choir

Where: Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, South Kensington, London, SW7 2AP

When: 1st April 2014

Revered conductor Sir John Eliot Gardiner features 12 inspiring and elevating hours of back to back music celebrating the baroque composer Bach. Join an array of distinguished guests including Sir John’s Monteverdi Choir and the English Baroque Soloists for a day paying homage to the man Mozart described as the “original father of harmony”.

2) 11-day graphic art fair showcasing innovative design

What: ‘Pick Me Up’ Contemporary Graphic Art Fair

Where: Somerset House, Strand, London London, WC2R 1LA

When: 24th April – 5th May 2014

This is the fourth year in the fair’s history. The 11 day fair will display innovative graphic artists, collectives and galleries from the UK and across the world offering an exuberant mix of artworks for sale to the public. A lively series of events and activities accompanies the fair including Portfolio Surgeries. The spectacular Somerset House once again hosts this excellent opportunity to discover the latest talents in the graphic art scene and purchase prints from as little as £10.

3) Two Michelin starred Simon Rogan expands his rapidly growing empire

What: Simon Rogan at Claridges

Where: Claridge’s Brook Street, Mayfair, London W1K 4HR

When: April/May 2014

Simon Rogan, one of the most creative and exciting chefs in the UK today, will soon be opening the doors to his new restaurant at Claridge’s (opens to public on 6 May). Rogan’s belief in using local British produce, all sourced from his own farm in Cumbria, creativity and inventive techniques will be a defining element for the new restaurant. Rogan currently holds two Michelin stars at his flagship restaurant L’Enclume, in Cartmel, Cumbria.

4) Specialist orchids and botanical art at the Royal Horticultural Halls

What: RHS London Orchid Show and Botanical Art Show

Where: Royal Horticultural Halls and Conference Centre, 80 Vincent Square, Westminster, London, SW1P 2PE

When: 11th – 12th April 2014

The world’s finest specialist orchid growers are putting their best work on display alongside beautiful botanical art. Discover remarkable displays of tropical and hardy orchids from all around the world, hear from a selection of esteemed orchid experts and shop from a wide variety of species and hybrids. The event also doubles as the largest botanical art show of the year, making it a not-to-be-missed event for the green fingered.

5) Discover the wonderful world of Renaissance woodcuts at the Royal Academy

What: Renaissance Impressions: Chiaroscuro woodcuts from the Collections of Georg Baselitz and the Albertina, Vienna

When: 15th March – 8th June 2014

Where: Royal Academy of Art, Burlington House, Piccadilly, London, W1J 0BD

Running throughout April, the Royal Academy of Art is staging a special exhibition of Chiaroscuro woodcuts, based on the designs of the great Renaissance artists. A pioneering printing technique, this collection gives a fascinating insight into the craftsmanship and intricacies behind this method. Focusing on the leading proponents of the medium, Italy, Germany and the Netherlands, this exhibition concentrates on how the art form successfully captured shadow and light to create masterpieces.

London attractions welcomed record-breaking 34m visitors in 2013

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London’s visitor attractions have experienced a 12% increase in visitor numbers, according to statistics released by the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions (ALVA) today. With the top 10 attractions being based in London, and the city on course to welcome more than 16 million overseas visitors in one year, 2013 has been a record-breaker for the capital.

The most popular visitor attraction in 2013 remained The British Museum, which saw a 20% increase in its visitor numbers to 6,701,036 – making it the museum’s most successful year on record. In second place, was the National Gallery, which saw a 14% increase to 6,031,574 and in third place was the Natural History Museum, with 5,356,884.

Julie Chappell, director of consumer marketing and digital channels at London & Partners, said, “London’s cultural offering is unparalleled. We have a fantastically diverse range of attractions that showcase not only the history and heritage of our city, but also the wide range of cultural attractions. As the home to some of the most significant museums and landmarks in the world, it’s not surprising that 76% of visitors to London come to enjoy its world-class museums and galleries.”

Bernard Donoghue, Director, ALVA (The Association of Leading Visitor Attractions), noted that “London’s attractions had a fantastic year last year: new must-see exhibitions, great weather, superb new facilities like Tiger Territory at London Zoo, all contributed to record tourism figures for London – tipped to be nearly 16 million visitors in one year. Overseas visitors especially love their time at London’s attractions and tell us that our museums, galleries and heritage are the number one reason to visit our city.”

The top 10 attractions, amassing more than 34 million visits, are:

1. British Museum – 6,701,036
2. National Gallery – 6,031,574
3. Natural  History Museum – 5,356,884
4. Tate Modern – 4,884,939
5. Science Museum – 3,316,00
6. V & A – 3,290,500
7. Tower of London – 2,894,698
8. Somerset House Trust – 2,398,066
9. St Paul’s Cathedral – 2,138,130
10. Westminster Abbey – 2,020,637

RIBA’s 66@80 exhibition celebrates 80 years

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The 80-year anniversary celebrations have begun for the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and its conference and events arm, RIBA Venues in London, with the launch of a free ‘66@80’ photography exhibition showcasing the construction and history of RIBA’s headquarters – a light-flooded building that opened in 1934.

RIBA was formed in 1834 in a pub, St James Tavern and it was in 1928 that RIBA decided to build its own headquarters. Architect Grey Wornum submitted the winning design, which facilitated easy flow around the structure with its no corridor style. Many of the decorative features of this masterpiece tell the story of the construction and the people who worked on it.

Today, RIBA boasts a number of event spaces equipped for a variety of events, from conferences, meetings, dinners and receptions to weddings and creative events. It also features three terraces which offer rare outside space, with panoramic views of London from the top floors.

RIBA Venues can host up to 400 delegates in its tiered auditorium. All of its meeting spaces have large, bright windows and offer modern technology. Its art deco interiors add a touch of period romance to special occasions held at the venue – a popular feature captured as the backdrop to many films, fashion shows and TV productions.

Burns Night whisky experience at The Athenaeum

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Burns Supper at The Athenaeum Hotel is set to be brimming with tradition and twists. On Saturday 25th January this Mayfair hotel’s monthly whisky social will pay homage to the great Scottish poet with a sumptuous four-course meal created by Martine Nouet.

Robert Burns may have seen Scotch whisky as holding a special symbolic significance for Scotland but that has not stopped France-born Martine Nouet from becoming one of the world’s most famous whisky tasters and commentators in the world. Martine will revisit the traditional Burns Night supper and pair each course with specially selected drams of Balvenie whisky, a mouth-watering single malt sourced in Speyside.

The evening begins at 6.30pm with canapés and cocktails, followed by a four course meal at 7pm – each course paired with a different dram of Balvenie. Adding her own special stamp to the proceedings, Martine will guide guests through the menu and share stories from her world of whisky. Also joining her is Balvenie ambassador Alwynne Gwilt, a.k.a. Miss Whisky, together with The Athenaeum’s very own whisky sommelier, Ivo Silva.

The Athenaeum hosts a whisky social every month, but if you can’t wait that long why not visit their famous Whisky Bar? With over 300 whiskies and counting, they get their hands on every new expression they can, so you can enjoy the widest possible choice. Try the whisky and cheese pairing experience from £15 per course.

Tickets for the Burns Supper are £75 per person and spaces are very limited. To reserve a place please call 0207 640 3311 or email The Athenaeum on [email protected].