Archive for November, 2009

21.11.2009

21.11.09

Drive fly the flag for Cancer Research UK at Battersea Evolution

Once again Drive were honoured to accept the invitation to to design and produce the illustrious Emeralds and Ivy Ball, the annual flagship fundraising event for Cancer Research UK. Hosted by Ronan Keating, the event is attended by a star-studded celebrity guest audience of 550 who are invited to enjoy a VIP champagne reception, a lavish three-course dinner followed by the auction of exclusive prizes and experiences, all culminating in an evening of show-stopping entertainment.

Battersea Evolution, transformed by our production team into a magical ‘Secret Garden’, was the perfect backdrop, with mesmerized guests able to stroll through a real-live garden, passing through a giant keyhole into the magnificent dining area. The bespoke-built stage, this year fringed by huge ivy leaves, saw performances from ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ winners, street dance troupe Diversity; eScala, the glamourous electronic string quartet and, of course, the appearance of Ronan himself with his buddies from Boyzone culminating in an amazing duet with Ronan’s Mount Kilimanjaro buddy Gary Barlow.

We made sure this was a night to remember, delivering more than just an ‘auction fundraiser’ but a banquet, a stage show, a rock and roll gig – even a post-event documentary for posterity. From invites & audience registration right through to the carriages home at the end of the night, we got it covered – and helped to break a new fundraising record for the event. In 2008 The Emeralds and Ivy Ball raised a staggering £590,000, – £60,000 more than hoped and well in excess of the clients expectations. In 2009, despite the recession, we beat that total again, raising over £645,000.

20 – 22.11.09

Olympia, Earls Court, Lond0n

Now celebrating its 12th year, Erotica, self-styled as the ‘greatest erotic festival on Earth’, offers its visitors the annual opportunity to see the latest products and services from the industry showcased side-by-side at Olympia, one of London’s best known exhibition venues.

Invited back for the second year running to oversee the technical show production of one of the biggest consumer ‘adult lifestyle exhibitions’ in the world, the Drive team were happy to oblige: masterminding the creative and cost-effective design & build of stage and set for the 4-day run of shows; devising and installing the lighting and PA systems, managing the performances – and of course keeping it all well within the health and safety parameters.

Given the fact that Erotica 09 boasted the largest footfall of the capital’s consumer trade shows, with visitor numbers reaching the 80,000 mark, this is no mean feat. Naturally we took it all in our stride. The event ran like clockwork and was considered by all a huge success. Attendance by far exceeded that of last year’s 56,000 and the media coverage was astounding, with around 40 TV and film companies present.

06.11.2009

06.11.09


Drive launch the Dallaglio Foundation


‘8 Rocks’, set to be the high-end charity event of the year, kicks off the party season by celebrating the launch of the Dallaglio Foundation in unique and exclusive style. Strictly by invitation only and with guests including Prince Harry, Lord Coe and Jodie Kidd, who better to design and produce this quality event than yours truly. And all in aid of a cause close to our hearts, with the Foundation, established by former England Rugby captain Lawrence Dallaglio, this year raising funds for Cancer Research UK.

Incorporating a gladiatorial black and gold theme, fine champagne and sumptuous food were served as close to 600 guests were treated to an array of spectacular live entertainment, an auction of genuine money-can’t-buy prizes and the chance to party up close to major celebrities from screen, sport and music. Drive made sure that everyone was a VIP that night.

Performances from Lemar and Keane helped the event to raise an astounding £610,000, exceeding all expectations for its first year. As a result of this phenomenal success The Dallaglio Foundation has opted to support CRUK with the ‘8 Rocks’ event again next year.

The Dallaglio Foundation worked with Drive Productions on our inaugural  fundraising event, 8 Rocks. It was important to me that 8 Rocks would really raise the bar in terms of quality, entertainment and wow-factor. Drive produced the creative themes for 8 Rocks, sourced dancers and entertainers, as  well as delivering an extremely slick event on the night. 8 Rocks was an incredible evening, raising a staggering £610,000 for Cancer Research UK.

Lawrence Dallaglio, OBE