FOS Ball - What to expect
Discussion
I work the festival every year, but have only been to the ball once - the year of Bernie's 40 years in F1.
It's very flash - even walking up the drive sees everyone under scrutiny from the paparazzi - just in case you're a somebody.
There's champagne on the lawn rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous - I met James Martin and Adrian Newey as they were drinking next to my party. Pretty much anyone who is anyone is there. Also met Derek Bell, Tiffany Dell (we have done stuff with him before, so he vaguely recognised us), and Bernie himself.
Food was excellent, but everyone is spread over several rooms.
Post dinner, we were ushered out onto the lawn for an amazing firework display along with water fountains onto which they projected a 40 year celebration film. Absolutely outstanding - and we got very wet, despite the disposable ponchos were were given!
After the fireworks it was back into the house for the entertainment - Jools Holland with Mike and the Mechanics. Not really my thing, but hugely enjoyable.
You *will* be expected to pledge some charity money (anonymously). Cash or a gentleman's pledge will do.
It was good, I'd love to do it again - but only if my employers give us menials some tickets instead of taking corporate guests.
It's very flash - even walking up the drive sees everyone under scrutiny from the paparazzi - just in case you're a somebody.
There's champagne on the lawn rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous - I met James Martin and Adrian Newey as they were drinking next to my party. Pretty much anyone who is anyone is there. Also met Derek Bell, Tiffany Dell (we have done stuff with him before, so he vaguely recognised us), and Bernie himself.
Food was excellent, but everyone is spread over several rooms.
Post dinner, we were ushered out onto the lawn for an amazing firework display along with water fountains onto which they projected a 40 year celebration film. Absolutely outstanding - and we got very wet, despite the disposable ponchos were were given!
After the fireworks it was back into the house for the entertainment - Jools Holland with Mike and the Mechanics. Not really my thing, but hugely enjoyable.
You *will* be expected to pledge some charity money (anonymously). Cash or a gentleman's pledge will do.
It was good, I'd love to do it again - but only if my employers give us menials some tickets instead of taking corporate guests.
Poppiecock said:
I work the festival every year, but have only been to the ball once - the year of Bernie's 40 years in F1.
It's very flash - even walking up the drive sees everyone under scrutiny from the paparazzi - just in case you're a somebody.
There's champagne on the lawn rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous - I met James Martin and Adrian Newey as they were drinking next to my party. Pretty much anyone who is anyone is there. Also met Derek Bell, Tiffany Dell (we have done stuff with him before, so he vaguely recognised us), and Bernie himself.
Food was excellent, but everyone is spread over several rooms.
Post dinner, we were ushered out onto the lawn for an amazing firework display along with water fountains onto which they projected a 40 year celebration film. Absolutely outstanding - and we got very wet, despite the disposable ponchos were were given!
After the fireworks it was back into the house for the entertainment - Jools Holland with Mike and the Mechanics. Not really my thing, but hugely enjoyable.
You *will* be expected to pledge some charity money (anonymously). Cash or a gentleman's pledge will do.
It was good, I'd love to do it again - but only if my employers give us menials some tickets instead of taking corporate guests.
Did you do the drivers ball?It's very flash - even walking up the drive sees everyone under scrutiny from the paparazzi - just in case you're a somebody.
There's champagne on the lawn rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous - I met James Martin and Adrian Newey as they were drinking next to my party. Pretty much anyone who is anyone is there. Also met Derek Bell, Tiffany Dell (we have done stuff with him before, so he vaguely recognised us), and Bernie himself.
Food was excellent, but everyone is spread over several rooms.
Post dinner, we were ushered out onto the lawn for an amazing firework display along with water fountains onto which they projected a 40 year celebration film. Absolutely outstanding - and we got very wet, despite the disposable ponchos were were given!
After the fireworks it was back into the house for the entertainment - Jools Holland with Mike and the Mechanics. Not really my thing, but hugely enjoyable.
You *will* be expected to pledge some charity money (anonymously). Cash or a gentleman's pledge will do.
It was good, I'd love to do it again - but only if my employers give us menials some tickets instead of taking corporate guests.
I am guessing the OP is going to the Members ball.
I did it one year, an it was nothing like what you listed above.
We entered the rear of the Bonhams auction, yes lots of champers, dinner was average, the unveiling of the masterpiece in front of the house. We watched a car race up and down the hill, what it was no one knows as it was dark and it had no lights then fire works then home.
No I would not do it again! Can not remember the year of the top of my head, but it wea the year of the E type jag in front of the house.
johnoz said:
DSLiverpool said:
It’s the members ball we’re going to, hope it’s the former description.
Hmm, Hope you do have a good time, but don't set your hopes too high 
Having now googled it, I feel especially privileged to have been to the Drivers’ Ball.
This year, for the first time, I am considered important enough to get access to the Sponsors’ hospitality.
Poppiecock said:
I normally just see our stand and the hotel (usually Butlins), so had no idea there were 2 balls.
Having now googled it, I feel especially privileged to have been to the Drivers’ Ball.
This year, for the first time, I am considered important enough to get access to the Sponsors’ hospitality.
I experienced the drivers ball from the wrong side of the wall 🤣 a couple of years running i was doing sound engineering for Dunlop when they were in the stables, and staying in the rooms on the top floor of the stables. They had the best fireworks ive ever seen/heard, with an orchestral accompaniment. Being just a stones throw from the supercar paddock, beer in hand laughing at 7 incredibly hammered dwarfs and getting to enjoy the fireworks was a moment I'll enjoy remembering foreverHaving now googled it, I feel especially privileged to have been to the Drivers’ Ball.
This year, for the first time, I am considered important enough to get access to the Sponsors’ hospitality.
Was called on the Wednesday afternoon to tell me to bring my tux as we were using the sponsor tickets for the Drivers' Ball for staff again. Happy days.
Met Damon Hill, Emerson Fittipaldi, Mika Hakkinnen, Sir Jackie and Karun Chandhok.
Food was alright, the Duke asked us for charity money, fireworks and show on the lawn acceptable. Found Sir Jackie boogieing to Sister Sledge on the dance floor.
Absolutely shattered after 4 days on the stand talking to customers - my voice has pretty much gone and the dust has given me a dreadful cough.
Met Damon Hill, Emerson Fittipaldi, Mika Hakkinnen, Sir Jackie and Karun Chandhok.
Food was alright, the Duke asked us for charity money, fireworks and show on the lawn acceptable. Found Sir Jackie boogieing to Sister Sledge on the dance floor.
Absolutely shattered after 4 days on the stand talking to customers - my voice has pretty much gone and the dust has given me a dreadful cough.
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