Awards Ceremony for Surrey Law Society

Our event took place at G Live in Guildford, which is an outstanding venue located right in the heart of the town. The space itself is modern, versatile, and perfect for hosting large-scale events, which made it ideal for the SLS Legal Awards. Over the years, G Live has allowed us to grow the Awards into a more prestigious and polished affair, providing excellent opportunities for technical production, creative staging, and innovative event experiences. Its central location also makes it very convenient for guests travelling from across the region.

For the event, we aimed for a classic and formal Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner vibe, which gave the evening an elegant and professional feel. To keep things lively and fun, we also incorporated a few light-hearted dressing-up items for guests to enjoy, which encouraged interaction and added a touch of personality to the evening. The balance of sophistication and fun worked really well, creating an atmosphere where people could celebrate achievements while still having a relaxed and enjoyable night.

We wanted live music to add a special dimension to the evening. During the dinner, we needed background music that was engaging but unobtrusive, helping to set the mood while people enjoyed their meals. Afterwards, we wanted a more relaxed and informal set in the foyer, where guests could mingle and celebrate. The Knights of Swing were an excellent choice for this — their set list was exactly what we had envisioned, blending classic swing tunes with a lively energy that kept everyone entertained. On the night, they exceeded our expectations and created a fantastic atmosphere.

There were so many highlights, but the entertainment really stood out. The band, magician, and caricaturist all added unique and memorable elements that kept guests engaged throughout the evening. We also had a 360 photo booth and casino tables, which were incredibly popular and created lots of interaction and laughter. Seeing guests fully enjoying all the different elements — dancing, gaming, laughing, and taking photos — was very rewarding and made the event feel truly special.

We have used Function Central for previous events, and their service has always been excellent. They make finding and booking entertainment incredibly straightforward, with plenty of options to choose from and a very professional approach. Knowing that we could rely on them to deliver the right acts for our event gave us peace of mind and allowed us to focus on planning the rest of the evening.

My advice would be to do your research and explore the full range of entertainment options available. There are so many talented performers out there, and taking the time to find the right fit for your event makes a huge difference. Think about the flow of the evening, the mood you want to create, and the interests of your guests — and don’t be afraid to mix different types of entertainment to keep the night lively and engaging.