(Free-Press-Release.com) July 21, 2011 -- A celebration of British motor racing took place at the Grand Prix Ball July 2011 to welcome F1's return to the country in style ahead of the British Grand Prix at this weekend – the ninth round on the F1 2011 World Championship at Silverstone race circuit.
The star-studded ball held at The Hurlingham Club in London was transformed into a glamorous display of F1 cars and live entertainment in order to raise money for CLIC Sargent, the UK's leading children's cancer charity.
The event also marked just over 60 years of F1 with a unique display of classic grand prix machinery including a special Force India 'art' car, alongside a Lotus-Renault and the 1995 Williams-Renault of Damon Hill.After witnessing the spectacular arrival of ever-colourful and flamboyant BBC F1 pundit Eddie Jordan who landed in a magnificent Oryx helicopter, guests were treated to a Mumm champagne reception and a scrumptious three-course meal.
Electric violinists FUSE opened the evening with a spectacular performance of rock hits from their Universal album, including the F1 theme 'The Chain' on their £1 Million Swarovski-encrusted violins.
FUSE are virtuoso musicians Linzi Stoppard and Ben Lee who, on their eponymous debut album, harness their bespoke world exclusive Million Pound Swarovski encrusted Bridge electric violins and take rock tracks that people love, radically but lovingly reinterpret them.The sound that FUSE generate takes serious know-how and technical skill. Linzi explains, "We play five string and four string instruments; this gives us more range than a normal violin. We play Bridge violins with Kevlar carbon fibre composite bodies. They could take a bullet for us!"As Linzi says, "It's completely fresh, no one thought that what we do was even possible. Someone recently said, 'The album is great but I can't hear as much of the violins as I'd like'. Everything you hear is violins! The style that we use when we play is more akin to that of a guitar player, with more soul and electricity - literally! We chose work from artists that are huge stadium acts, and that's where we want to be. It is that big and that powerful - get some ear plugs! We specialise in blowing away people's preconceptions."
If that wasn't enough FUSe's Ben is the 2-time Guinness World Record holder for the Fastest VIolinist In The World. Ben labelled as "lightening hands" when he broke the record for the second time live on TV in Hong Kong performs the record at over 15 notes per second.After guests had wined and dined Rebecca Ferguson took to the stage and opened her set with an acoustic version of 'Amazing Grace'.
Eddie Jordan and the Robbers followed Rebecca's performance with a selection of covers and original tracks ranging from 'Let's stick together' to 'Pump it up'.
Following a successful evening of live entertainment, a unique display of F1 cars and more than £40,000 raised for charity, guests are now already looking forward to next year's event.
A large-scale painting of Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton, which sold for £4,500, was one of a number of prizes up for grabs during the charity auction which generated lots of support for CLIC Sargent’s vital work across the UK. The large scale, heavily textured explosive oil painting of Hamilton was created by Warwickshire artist Paul Oz, whose prints adorn the walls of well known personalities including Sir Alex Ferguson and businessman Theo Paphitis.Sophie Eaton, Major Events Manager at CLIC Sargent, said: “The auction was such a success, we’re delighted! On behalf of everybody at CLIC Sargent I’d like to thank everyone involved. The money raised will make a huge difference to our work, supporting children and young people with cancer.”
Jonny Dodge, chief executive GP Management Worldwide said: “We’re absolutely delighted that the 2011 Grand Prix Ball in support of CLIC Sargent was a stunning success. Thank you to Rebecca Ferguson for performing and everyone who donated and bought lots to support such a worthwhile cause. I’d also like to thank all the guests for making it such a magnificent evening.”The Grand Prix Ball made its debut in London last year, marking the beginning of the partnership with CLIC Sargent. The charity supports families from the point of diagnosis, helping them to cope with the impact of cancer and its treatment, life after treatment and, in some cases, bereavement.
For more information visit:
http://www.clicsargent.org.uk/Home
http://www.silverstone.co.uk
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