ALL the fun of the fair came to one of football’s most famous venues this month, as VIP guests enjoyed a night of carnival-style entertainment.
Around 300 guests rolled up to St James’ Park, home to Newcastle United, for a preview of what is set to be the stadium’s most fabulous Christmas programme yet – and the chance to take part in sideshow favourites, from hook a duck to coconut shies.
Throughout December, Sodexo Prestige Venues & Events, which manages catering and events at the ground is hosting a series of carnival party nights for groups of family members, friends and work colleagues.
Following a welcome drink, guests will sit down to a three course dinner, with a twist; instead of a traditional dessert, they will be able to take their pick from a variety of candy floss, toffee apple, cupcake and doughnut stalls at a spectacular Christmas Carnival.
Along with the sweet treats, the stadium’s Platinum Club will be filled with traditional fairground sideshows and attractions, with prizes on offer for lucky winners, with music from a disco led by the stadium’s in-house DJ.
Among those who got a sneak preview at the Christmas launch event was John Ainsley, of County Durham-based Compass Personal Development.
He said: “We’ve had a great evening and we have lots of corporate clients we could invite to this sort of event – in fact, we could also bring our family when we all get together before Christmas.”
“Our Christmas Carnival preview was a fantastic night,” said Frankie Angus, general manager for Sodexo Prestige Venues & Events at St James’ Park.
«It might have been a glorious summer’s evening outside, but, inside, St James’ Park was full of Christmas spirit.
“Our team worked incredibly hard to put the carnival together and, judging by the superb feedback we have received from our guests, it was a huge success.”
The carnival party nights form part of a packed programme of festive entertainment at the stadium, which also includes a hog roast feast on 11 and 20 December, with prizes for the most festive jumper and table served, hot, fork buffets on 4, 5, 11, 12, 18 and 19 of the month.
Sunday lunches will also be served on 6, 13 and 20 December, with the chance for children to meet Santa Claus.
Earlier this year, St James’ Park saw off competition from a clutch of the country’s top stadia to win the Operations Team of the Year category at The Stadium Events and Hospitality Awards 2015
– one of several won on the night by Sodexo Prestige nationally.
For further information about Christmas events at St James’ Park, call 0191 201 8525 or e-mail candb@nufc.co.uk