Event: Woolworths Kids First 2007 - The Red Carpet Bash Live
Guests: 1100
Venue: National Hall, Olympia
Date: 21-22 September 2007
Agency: DesignScene in association with Conference Line
Brief
Woolworths Kids First is a charity that aims to improve the quality of children’s lives in local communities. Since its launch nearly £6.5m has been raised through the Woolworths’ business, its employees, customers and suppliers.
This charity event needed to create a live entertainment event involving a lavish entrance, artist performances, talent competitions, catering and more.
The event took place on 22nd September at Olympia’s National Hall with 1,100 guests.
The organiser needed a flexible event space, in-depth consultation from the venue team and seamless coordination with suppliers.
Solution
Conference Line and DesignScene worked closely with the in-house events team at Olympia to create a proper red carpet entrance with a video crew interviewing guests and artists on arrival.
Once inside guests headed to their assigned and themed meeting points. Seats were arranged on thin-stemmed table arrangements, for good sight lines, and each table was individually lit to create more depth – rarely seen in large spaces.
A TV audition style concert was instigated with video auditions that were judged by a professional panel prior to the event. Four contestants were chosen to perform live at the Red Carpet Bash, after extensive vocal coaching, together with performance rehearsals mentored by experts from the music business.
The stage was designed to recreate the live concert feel with a wrap-around dance floor to optimise space.
The evening was hosted by comedian Bill Bailey and had live performances from acts including Shayne Ward (Sony BMG) and ABC (Curb Records) giving their time free of charge.
Result
The fundraising event raised nearly £200,000 for Playground Partnerships - Woolworths Kids First’s award-winning, grant-giving scheme, enabling primary and special schools to redevelop their playgrounds.
Trevor Dahl, Chief Executive of Woolworths Kids First, had this to say:
“Using a new venue for an established event is a bit like jumping off a cliff - you never quite know what to expect; but we need not have worried. We received exemplary service from a dedicated events team at Olympia who took pride in their work; we found ourselves dealing with professionals who knew what they were doing and ultimately helped to provide a magnificent evening for over 1,000 guests.
“Production, catering, security all worked together seamlessly. A particular memory for me was the front-of-house catering manager gathering her large team together at the end of the event for a debrief and to thank them for their efforts. As chief executive of the charity, I was happy to join in with her and applaud the efforts of all involved.
“Great events require great co-ordination and leadership. The team at Olympia did us and our guests proud that night.”
Discover the event space used here
Contact the events team here
View more images of the event here