Client: Powwow Events
Event: Client Christmas Party and 40th anniversary celebration
Date: 12th December 2024
No of guests: 400
Event space: Illuminate at The Science Museum
Event brief & Objective:
To celebrate the 40th anniversary of our client’s business, we organised an 80’s themed Christmas party to deliver a vibrant, immersive experience, combining nostalgia with modern flair.
Venue Selection: The Science Museum
The attraction of hosting this event at the Science Museum was its location and blend of unique and historic presence which creates the ideal destination and atmosphere for hosting this event.
Event Experience Goals:
Our objective was to create an immersive experience where guests felt transported back to 1984. To achieve this, we incorporated extensive 80’s theming and decorations, complemented by a carefully curated mix of activities, entertainment, and food offerings that echoed the era.
Space Selection and Utilisation:
Illuminate, the Science Museum’s modern and versatile space, was chosen for its ability to transform into a creative, blank canvas that suited the event’s dynamic needs. The panoramic city views, combined with the versatility of the space, allowed us to segment the venue into two distinct yet cohesive areas, each contributing to a unique atmosphere.
How the Space Worked for the event:
Illuminate’s built-in light bars and programmable circles proved to be a standout feature, enhancing the event’s dynamic lighting design. The in-house AV infrastructure, including screens and sound system, was fully leveraged to create the right ambiance. The space’s flexibility allowed us to craft distinct experiences, with one floor dedicated to high-energy entertainment and the other offering quieter, social zones, all while maintaining a cohesive 80’s theme.
Catering Overview:
Working closely with Moving Venue, we ensured the catering experience was interactive and in line with the 80’s theme. A variety of food stations featuring live chefs served a diverse range of dishes. For example, the taco station was designed in bright oranges and pinks, aligning with the bold, funky patterns of the 80’s décor. Similarly, the pasta station embraced a retro rustic aesthetic with pampas grass and vintage-inspired pasta stands. The canapés were presented on themed trays, such as clear Perspex boxes adorned with disco balls and fairy lights, and retro light boxes added a glowing touch.
Bespoke AV Experience:
White Light helped bring our 80’s time-travel concept to life, designing a “time tunnel” that transported guests from the entrance into the heart of the 1980s-themed event.
Custom lighting and sound design on Level 5 divided the space into distinct areas making up the Retro Lounge, including a DJ booth and dancing zone, along with quieter spaces for relaxation and arcade games.
On Level 4, the space was transformed into Club Tropicana with 35 moving lighting heads, and an LED dance floor. The addition of D&B speakers ensured the sound quality and party atmosphere were top-notch as multiple live bands, and a DJ kept the energy high throughout the night.
Conclusion:
The Science Museum’s Illuminate space proved to be the ideal setting for this immersive 80’s themed Christmas party. By creatively using the venue’s versatile spaces, incorporating bespoke AV and lighting, and delivering an interactive catering experience, we created a memorable and energetic celebration that not only honoured our client’s 40-year milestone, but also transported guests back to the electrifying vibe of the 1980s.
