It’s onwards and upwards at Gala Events this year, with an action-packed schedule of bespoke events over the coming months. Having worked with so many top names last year, we are delighted to once again be able to offer our clients the opportunity to hear from some of the biggest names in sport, whilst enjoying the fabulous service and catering on offer at some of the country’s top venues.
First up in mid March we have our annual Cheltenham Gold Cup Lunch which as usual takes place at Edgbaston Stadium in Birmingham. Our speakers this year are former Manchester United and England winger Lee Sharpe, and one of the country’s all-time leading goal-scorers, ex Liverpool and Ireland striker John Aldridge. Both are keen followers of jumps racing, and will be hoping that our tipster will help guests to relieve the in-room bookmakers of some cash! After enjoying a three course lunch, sit back for the racing, beamed onto our giant screen so you won’t miss any of the action. We also have live music from our Irish band to ensure the day goes with a swing.
Our first Lunch with a Legend of 2015 features current West Ham boss Sam Allardyce, and manager of Wigan Athletic, Malky Mackay. ‘Big Sam’ is a true veteran of Premier League management with Bolton Wanderers, Newcastle United, Blackburn Rovers and the Hammers, whilst up and coming manager Malky tasted Premier League management with Cardiff City; he will be looking to guide Wigan Athletic back to the promised land. The event is being hosted at the magnificent Gibson Hall, former home of the National Provincial Bank, in London’s Bishopsgate district. Steeped in history, Gibson Hall offers catering and service of the highest standard, and is one of the most popular corporate venues in the capital.
Our annual Gala Golf Classic has become a firm favourite in our corporate calendar, and this May we will be hosting the event at Royal Lytham and St. Anne’s, one of the world’s most famous courses. Our very special guests will be highly experienced former Premier League manager Alan Curbishley, and Liverpool and Ireland star Ray Houghton. As well as hosting two Ryder Cups, Royal Lytham has held the Open Championships on no less than eleven occasions, most recently in 2012 where Ernie Els rolled back the years to record a famous victory. This package includes an overnight stay at the Grand Hotel, a fabulous Gala Dinner, and two rounds of golf; one on the Open course which has hosted most of the greatest golfers in history, and the following morning on St. Anne’s Old Links, which will post a challenge to golfers of all levels. Our special guests will be presenting trophies to the winners at lunch on the day of departure.
Returning to Edgbaston in June we are hosting a Royal Ascot day, at which our special guest is Spurs legend, and former England manager, Glenn Hoddle. Often described as the most gifted midfielder of his generation, Glenn will be delving into his career at the top as both a player and manager. Following a three course lunch, the full card from a superb day of Group races at Royal Ascot will be beamed onto our giant screen, with an in-house tipster and bookmakers so you and your guests can enjoy a punt. After further refreshments following the racing, you can then take your seat for an exhilarating Natwest T20 Blast derby match between Midlands rivals Birmingham Bears and the Leicestershire Foxes. This is a three pronged day of sport not to be missed!
We visit the Lords, the home of cricket, in June, returning for our third annual Long Room Lunch, where our speakers will be discussing the upcoming Ashes Tests. Hosted once again by broadcasting great Jonathan Agnew, our panel includes former England captain Andrew Strauss, Aussie fast bowling great Glenn McGrath, and current England star Eoin Morgan. Undoubtedly the most famous four walls in cricket, the Lords Long Room is magnificent, adorned with cricketing artwork from across the ages. The view of the middle is superb, and you can sense the history of the Long Room, which has witnessed all the greats walking through to the clapping of Members, as they stride out to do battle at the crease. You will enjoy catering and service of the very highest standard, and entertainment from the stunning classical crossover singer Amelia Whiteman of Elysium iii.
The Third Ashes Test at Edgbaston in July is sure to be pivotal in the battle to win The Ashes, so we are thrilled to have exclusive use of the fabulous Wyatt Suite, which has its own balcony to get the very best view of the day’s play out in the middle. On Day Two we will be joined by former England captain Nasser Hussain, and all round cricketing legend David ‘Bumble’ Lloyd, who will be discussing the day’s play. Then on Day Three we have two recent Ashes combatants in the suite, both of whom have tasted the joy of victory and pain of defeat on numerous occasions; fast bowling star Steve Harmison and record-breaking Aussie opener Matthew Hayden. It will be fascinating to hear their perspectives on the Ashes, particularly the ‘best series ever’ – the 2005 Ashes, famously won by England. With top catering all day, and a complimentary bar, there is no better way to enjoy the action.
With more top cricketing events scheduled in the summer, including a One Day International against New Zealand in June with Andrew Strauss, and the thrilling climax of the domestic Natwest T20 Blast Finals, with special guest Michael Vaughan, you can be sure that you are in safe hands with the experienced team at Gala Events. Have a look through our hospitality calendar of events for the year, featuring a wide variety of events including Premier League football, international Rugby and Cricket, Royal Ascot and Open Golf.