July 09. Rod Stewart and Suggs On Board HMS Belfast For Busking Cancer
Madness front man Suggs and Skye Edwards (ex-Morcheeba) headlined a fundraising concert on board HMS Belfast on 20th June Busking Cancer. Legendary rocker Rod Stewart, patron of the charity welcomed everyone on board and set the stage for a fantastic evening of busking with a donation to Busking Cancer. Playing on the Main Deck and Quarterdeck to 450 guests, bands went back to their roots and played a largely acoustic set while the audience danced the night away in the shadow of Tower Bridge.
Seamus Curran, General Manager, HMS Belfast said, "It was a fantastic event. The atmosphere was amazing with bands playing on both the boat deck and quarterdeck to a crowd of over 400 people. Guests enjoyed the music and views across London from HMS Belfast and cooled down with a choice of Sangria, beer or Pimm's. All the staff wore Busking Cancer t-shirts and our deputy manager, Maree Harrison had the honour of showing Rod Stewart on a private tour of the function and events rooms at the Admirals' Quarters. The staff and guests had a great time and we hope to welcome Busking Cancer back to HMS Belfast soon."
Busking Cancer has been established as a fund raising event for Cancer Research UK. Funds are raised by the buskers themselves seeking sponsorship for the event and, of course, in the traditional busking way.
This event on HMS Belfast follows the another musical occasion, when one of the most successful and influential British bands of all time, Spandau Ballet, announced their return and world tour dates aboard HMS Belfast on Wednesday 25th March 2009.
HMS Belfast was launched in March 1938 and served throughout the Second World War, playing a leading role in the Battle of North Cape and in the Normandy Landings. She later supported UN forces in Korea and remained in service until 1965. In 1971 she was saved for the nation as a unique reminder of Britain's Naval Heritage and is the only surviving example of the great fleets of big gun armoured warships built for the Royal Navy in the first half of the twentieth century.
Summer Barbecues on HMS Belfast
Permanently moored on the River Thames in the heart of London HMS Belfast is arguably one of the best summer party venues in London. After such success last year, barbecues are again held on the open boat deck to delight up to 350 guests. This year we are offering an ice cream upgrade to clients for £8.50pp, which entitles guests to unlimited cones and scoops of delicious ice cream for one hour.
Choose a Sailor's BBQ package from £69.50 or Captain's BBQ package from £79.50. The Captain's package includes venue hire, delicious chilled Champagne cocktail reception, tasty nibbles, 2 hours unlimited drinks, live acoustic jazz band, complimentary Pimm's bar, bunting, Quoits game and quiz. Barbecue starting from £32.00 per person plus room hire.
The Captain's BBQ menu features summer recipes such as butterfly chicken marinated with lemon and thyme served with sweet peppers, skewers of tiger prawns, salmon and sweet peppers marinated with lemon and chilli, char-grilled Mediterranean vegetables as well as sirloin of beef marinated with garlic and rosemary.
For those who wish to indulge further, and revel in the historical surroundings of HMS Belfast there are private tours by HMS Belfast veterans, or being piped on board just like the Admiral would have been! To add vibrancy and excitement to the evening, bring in professional dancers who can present a lively and entertaining demonstration in how to jitterbug - teambuilding anyone? Or why not have our period actors recreate a new recruit's introduction onboard the Ship - with you and your guests as the recruits! Comedy and a little education in one well dressed package.
All prices exclude VAT.
HMS Belfast Morgan's Lane, Tooley Street, SE1 2JH
To book your party now call 020 7403 6246, email hms.belfast@sodexo.com