Tim Bacon Foundation Party Albert Hall

SUMMARY

Our client Living Ventures, wanted to create a memorable launch event for the Tim Bacon Foundation, in memory of the late Tim Bacon, to support his favourite charities, help children & people struggling with brain cancer, and raise over £500k towards creating the UK’s very first ‘Proton Beam Therapy Centre’ (a particular form of radiotherapy). With a theme of ‘Dream the impossible’, they asked Make Happen to design, produce and deliver a spectacular charity launch party (for 1100 guests) – to celebrate the life of Tim Bacon and raise over £500k for the Foundation, the Christie, Maggie’s and the UK’s very first Proton Beam Therapy Centre.

APPROACH

Aligned with Tim’s life-long ambition of ‘dreaming the impossible dream’, his love of the original song, and the legendary Living Ventures summer parties, we focused on producing a creative, ambitious and extraordinary night of memorable celebrations. Our role included working closely with Jeremy Roberts, Dave Mansbridge, Louise Kemp and Anna Vieira – on everything from the ‘idea’ to producing and delivering the entire event, for 1100 guests at the Albert Hall. Make Happen managed the entire event production process, including design, planning, production and event management on the night. Make Happen’s responsibilities included all aspects of the event – venue selection & management, event planning & production, styling, lighting, projection mapping, lantern puppets, sound, Beverley Knight, Craig Charles, two (yes two) 10 piece party bands (The Kitts & Twisted Tubes), the hilarious ladies piscotecha disco, and a kaleidoscopic mix of dream-like entertainment.

RESULTS

1100 guests, 9 venues, £527,000 in charity fund-raising for Tim’s favourite charities, Manchester’s first ever city-wide banquet, and 1 spectacular and memorable party. 1100 diners descended on eight Living Ventures restaurants, including Manchester House, Australasia, Artisan, Alchemist, Grand Pacific, Grill on the Alley and GUSTO. The evening was supported by many businesses across the city and was sponsored by Allied London for Manchester House; Shoosmiths LLP for Australasia; Palatine Private Equity and Deloitte for GUSTO; Finch Insurance Brokers for The Alchemist New York Street; Asahi UK for The Alchemist Spinningfields and Relentless Group and Bruntwood for Grand Pacific. After enjoying their dining experience, all 1100 guests relocated to the after party at the The Albert Hall.

A memorable after party was had by all at the Albert Hall (a venue that Tim loved). Guests marvelled at the venue, it’s styling, the projection mapping over the organ, the lantern puppets, the walkabout characters and truly spectacular lighting. From 9pm to 2am, 1100 guests partied the night away, reminiscent of the legendary Living Ventures summer parties. Twisted Tubes got the party going, followed by The Kitts doing an emotional cover of Tim’s favourite song ‘Dream the impossible dream’. The Kitts did 2 of their superb party sets, either side of an amazing performance by Beverley Knight, before Craig Charles kept everyone dancing until 2am. Confetti cannons, ladies piscotecha, the list goes on, you had to be there. Event longevity was increased with further donations made to the fund and city-wide press coverage. All aims of the event were achieved and an event legacy was created. We personally can’t wait to see what’s next for the foundation!