Saturday 19th July 2008, Jurys Inn Hotel
This year's Masked Ball promises to be bigger and better than ever. We have a packed evening of entertainment and being on a Saturday night for the first time we are expecting the tickets to sell fast so please book early to avoid disappointment (the Masked Ball has always sold out well in advance!).
THE EVENING
You arrive at Jurys Inn to the red carpet at the entrance with circus entertainers and a string quartet to welcome you. The Master of Ceremonies will then announce you to the welcoming committee before you enter the ballroom. The ballroom is the focus of the activity throughout the evening with live bands, dancers, a disco and the charity auction whilst elsewhere you'll find the fun casino, portrait photographer, magicians and all kinds of things happening around the building.
YOUR HOSTS: Clare Nasir & Chris Hawkins
Presenting and hosting this year's Masked Ball are husband and wife team Clare Nasir and Chris Hawkins. Clare Nasir is a familiar face to the square-eyed amongst you for presenting several popular TV shows but is best known to early risers as GMTV's weather presenter. Chris Hawkins is a BBC Radio DJ presenting his own daily show on BBC 6 Music as well as regular slots on BBC Radio 2. He may also be familiar to you for being featured recently on BBC TV's "Freaky Eaters" series and subsequently being Harry Hill's guest on his "TV Burp".
LIVE: CLEM CURTIS of The Foundations
Clem Curtis is the angel-voiced centre of one of Britain's most successful soul outfits, The Foundations. Their many hits include 'Now That I Have Found You' and 'Build Me Up Buttercup'. Clem will be performing a solo set epsecially for the Milton Keynes Masked Ball guests. To find out more about Clem visit www.clemcurtis.com
LIVE: SALSA ESTRELLAS featuring PALENKE
Salsa Estrellas are a salsa dance group who have been spreading the word of salsa in this area since 1998 (visit www.salsaestrellas.com). They will be performing for your enjoyment and then bringing on their instructors to help you dance to the sounds of Palenke, a fantastic Latin American dance band. Heralding from Colombia, this London based band have wowed audiences all over the world. (see them in action at www.youtube.com or visit www.palenke.co.uk)
LIVE: THE PIMPLES + Special Guests
Headlining the evening are The Pimples, not only the regular hosts of the Masked Ball, they also organise the whole event! Don't be fooled by their silly name, these guys are seriously good! They used to be known as The Blues Collective but now, free from the constraints of a tribute band, they go where other bands wouldn't dare. Special guest vocalists include Graham Dee, Nicky Prince, Jo Farragher, Jason Oakes and Jimmy Volcano.
MAGICIAN: Magic Chris
Chris Richards or 'Magic Chris' as he is known to the many he has astounded with his magic will be circulating around the venue on the evening performing some mindblowing tricks right in front of your eyes. Comments from previous performances: "Captivating and original"; "Charismatic and mind bending","Astounding!". To find out more about Magic Chris click here.
