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igem news

SUMMER BALL 2019

LET THE GAMES BEGIN

IGEM President Antony Green hosts a knight to remember at
the spectacular Warwick Castle, reports Matthew Nicholls,
IGEM Marketing Assistant

ONE OF ENGLAND’S most popular Dinner was served in the castle’s
attractions, Warwick Castle, set the grandiose Great Hall, its largest and most
stage for an evening of wonderful food, impressive room. The hall was originally
dancing, and heart-filled entertainment constructed in the 14th century but was
when the IGEM Summer Ball came to rebuilt in the 17th century and restored
this historic venue. in 1871 following a large fire.
On this pleasant summer evening, Guests dined on goats’ cheese,
guests gathered in their finery to balsamic red onion and beetroot
celebrate like royalty at IGEM’s social tart, followed by a spiced lamb rump.
event of the year. Dessert was a chocolate fondant served
Upon arrival, guests received a royal with St Clement’s sauce.
horseback escort to the drinks reception, Guests later took to the dance floor and
where they sipped champagne and stepped away from tradition as music was
soaked up the castle’s rich history. provided by DJ Jack Quenby, who kept
Warwick Castle is a leading UK the dancers busy until the early hours.
landmark and one that holds huge President Antony Green said: “It is an
historical significance. Located in the honour and great pleasure to be able to
county town of Warwickshire, near the host this year’s event in the beautiful
river Avon, its longstanding history can Warwick Castle. I hope everyone who’s
be traced back almost 1,000 years. attended has had a lovely evening; we
The castle was originally built aimed to make it a fun and informal
out of wood in 1068 by William the event where everyone could relax and
Conqueror. At this time in world history, have a great time.
Europe was a collection of empires and “Tonight has been a great chance
clans, and countries such as Spain, to all come together and meet with
Italy, Switzerland and Sweden were colleagues, clients and friends, and
nowhere near being formed. I would like to take the opportunity
Ownership of the castle passed through to thank everyone for attending this
36 individuals and seven monarchs evening. I would also like to thank our
before being bought by Tussauds Group, event sponsors, Aughton Automation,
in 1978, and more recently by Merlin Morrison Utility Services, and
Entertainments Group, in 2007, who National Grid for helping to make this
helped transform it into the mega tourist memorable event.”
attraction it is today. The 2019 Summer Ball at Warwick
Throughout the evening, Castle rounded off IGEM’s tour of UK
entertainment was provided by court castles, having previously celebrated
jesters, flame eaters and sword fighting at Edinburgh and Cardiff castle.
knights, transporting our guests back
in time and providing a glimpse of the To book your next IGEM event, visit
castle’s former life. events.igem.org.uk

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