THE EIGHTH Annual BritWeek festival kicked off in fine California style Tuesday night with a glittering launch party at the residence of the British consul-general in Hancock Park.
Stars including Seal, Jason Isaacs, Michael Sheen, Nigel Lythgoe, Cat Deeley, Dani Behr, Michael York, Mickey Dolenz, director and socialite Amanda Eliasch and Super Nanny’s Jo Frost were on hand on a glorious spring evening for the Midsummer Night’s Dream-themed party, sponsored by BBC Worldwide, Boots, Fairmont Miramar Hotel and Bungalows and The Times of London.
After strolling the paparazzi-lined red carpet on arrival, guests, which included a smattering of local British business and entertainment figures, relaxed in the residence’s graceful garden, sipping cocktails and nibbling on hors d’oeuvres ahead of brief speeches of introduction from C-G Chris O’Connor, and BritWeek founder Bob Peirce.
Highlights of the 2014 program include the fifth annual BritWeek UKTI Business Innovation Awards, which in addition to recognizing innovative UK/CA companies will also bestow a special honor, The Creative Fusion Award, on Paul Oakenfold.
BritWeek will continue its ode to the 450th anniversary of Shakespeare with a one-night-only performance, BritWeek’s Evening of Shakespeare, Music, and Love, presented by Beverly Hills Wealth Management, on April 25th, featuring 20 acclaimed actors (including Ioan Gruffudd, Jane Seymour, Malcolm McDowell, Michael York, Sophie Winkleman, and others) performing the Bard’s best work.
On April 26th, the BritWeek Robertson Shopping Stroll, presented by SoCal MINI Dealers and hosted by Mischa Barton, will draw thousands out to the iconic, luxury shopping district on Robertson Blvd for in-store events, special offers, fashion previews, giveaways and more.
That evening the BritWeek Christopher Guy Design Icon Awards will once again celebrate the huge influence of British creativity, honoring this year the world-renowned interior designer Nina Campbell.
Returning for the fifth year as a supporter of BritWeek, Jaguar will partner to present A Villainous Affair, celebrating the British Villain with an evening of cocktails, canapés and world domination at a top-secret location overlooking the Los Angeles cityscape on Friday, May 2nd. Guests will be among the first to lay eyes on the newest British Villain in town, the Jaguar F-TYPE Coupe.
On May 3rd and 4th, BritWeek will once again take over the Third Street Promenade with an exciting two-day festival. Preview the new F-TYPE Coupe from Jaguar, get red carpet ready with a mini-makeover from Boots, meet the famous British gecko from GEICO, take your pup for a stroll down Walkers Shortbread doggy red carpet, travel to London with The Times of London and get your picture on the front page of the iconic British newspaper, and explore Scottish heritage and tradition with St. Andrew’s Society. Live performances, including Independent Shakespeare Company, Clan Currie Harper Glen, Inner City Shakespeare Ensemble, highland dancers, pipe bands, acclaimed British performers Desi Valentine & Luke Barnham, leading Los Angeles and UK street artists, and more.
For other BritWeek 2014 events visit http://www.BritWeek.org.
