Promoted by Chas Cole for CMP Entetainment, guests were treated to the guitar playing of Damon Hill and Eddie Jordan’s V10 Band from the motor racing world, as well as performances from Marc Almond, Atomic Kitten, Sam Brown, Ruby Turner, Edwin Starr, Mick Hucknall and Ronnie Wood - all to the backdrop of Jules Holland’s Rhythm & Blues Orchestra. Presenters were Carol Vorderman MBE and Tony Jardine, while Andrew Zweck production managed the event, along with Steve Rayment.
One of the major sponsors, Screenco, rigged 60sq.m of 25mm LED modules for the main screen and 8sq.m for each of the two flanking columns in the PA wings - and supplied digital feeds for the pictures and graphics. The screen was integrated within the set design, broadcasting live camera relays of the VIP guests, intermingled with library footage.
Other notable moments of the evening included an emotional standing ovation for the nation’s favourite commentator, Murray Walker OBE, who joined his colleagues on stage for a fond farewell after 52 years in the business and to share some of his favourite memories. Chas Cole said that the overall level of production this year had been exceptional: "We use Screenco because they have the best displays in the business - and they are thoroughly reliable."
(Lee Baldock)
