The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #92928 Message #1781967
Posted By: The Shambles
12-Jul-06 - 02:32 PM
Thread Name: BS: Henley Regatta Balls up
Subject: BS: Henley Regatta Balls up
spy@telegraph.co.uk (Filed: 01/07/2006)
Regatta ball blow
There was grave disappointment for anyone hoping to attend last night's sumptuous Henley Regatta Ball. The bash - for which VIP tickets were being sold at £800 - was unceremoniously cancelled 48 hours before the event, amid legal wrangling why the right licence had not been obtained from the local council.
Bryan Ferry had been booked as the headline entertainment, while Elizabeth Hurley had agreed to host a fashion show and Olympic rower James Cracknell was all set to compere the charity auction.
The guests were promised "an evening of unashamed extravagance" and a "celebration of the delights of the English social season" - but the failure to secure a live entertainment licence in time prompted Wokinghan council to pull the plug.
Greg Mason, the ball's organiser and promoter, explains: "The council couldn't let the event take place because the person we relied on to obtain a licence had not done so.
He adds: "We have refunded all tickets, and our VIPs have all been very supportive.
"We're planning another event some time this year and hope to auction off some of the fantastic lots we got in aid of our charities. We also plan to be back next year."