The brief 

As the first joint post-Games celebration for Team GB and ParalympicsGB’s winter athletes, the event needed to feel significant while remaining welcoming and inclusive.

The brief was centered around creating one cohesive experience that reflected the identities of both organisations while bringing athletes, stakeholders and guests together for a shared celebration.

Accessibility was a fundamental consideration from the outset. The event needed to provide an inclusive guest journey across every stage of the evening, from arrival and reception through to dinner, entertainment and the athletes’ parade.

Alongside this, the venue needed to accommodate a complex programme, VIP and media activity, athlete holding areas and a seated dinner for 350 guests

One integrated approach 

Working closely with Team GB and ParalympicsGB, our teams developed a detailed plan that brought together accessibility, security, hospitality, production and guest experience.

As an exclusive whole-venue event, each space played a distinct role throughout the evening. The Old Billiard Room and Annex supported the arrival reception, branding, media activity and athlete holding areas, while the Ballroom became the setting for the gala dinner, athletes’ parade, Q&A and live entertainment.

Detailed floor plans were developed to ensure the Ballroom could accommodate 350 guests while maintaining clear and accessible circulation routes for wheelchair users, guide dogs, service teams and the athletes’ parade.

Accessibility without compromise 

Accessibility was embedded into the event experience rather than treated as an additional requirement.

Temporary ramps created step-free access into the building and between the reception spaces, while lifts supported movement between floors. The Ballroom layout was designed to accommodate wheelchair users and guide dogs without separating guests or compromising the atmosphere of the evening.

Small but important details were also considered throughout the reception spaces, including an accessible service point at the bar and a combination of coffee and poseur tables to ensure guests could comfortably enjoy the experience together.

The result was a shared guest journey where everyone could access the same spaces and take part in the key moments of the celebration.

A Ballroom designed around the athletes 

The Ballroom was configured for 350 guests across 31 tables, with a dedicated route incorporated into the floor plan for the athletes’ parade.

The layout also allowed the host to move around the room during the Q&A, interviewing athletes at their tables and creating a more personal connection between the stage, the athletes and the audience.

An elegant, understated setting of white linen was complemented by blue LED centrepieces and digital branding representing both Team GB and ParalympicsGB.

Throughout the evening, the programme brought together the athletes’ parade, speeches, live interviews, a piano performance, dinner and a live auction, keeping the athletes at the centre of the celebration.

Precision planning and seamless delivery 

The level of guests required close coordination between the client, venue and security teams.

Ahead of the event, detailed site and security walkthroughs covered arrival arrangements, private spaces and movement throughout the venue. These plans were integrated discreetly into the wider event experience, allowing the evening to continue seamlessly for every guest.

Successful delivery relied on close collaboration between Team GB, ParalympicsGB, 8 Northumberland Avenue, AlchemyLive and Opal Fusion, our exclusive production partner.

From accessibility and floor plans to VIP movement, catering, production and live programme management, every element was brought together through one coordinated delivery plan.

The result 

The evening marked a significant moment for Team GB and ParalympicsGB, bringing both sporting communities together for their first shared post-Games celebration.

Despite a complex brief involving accessibility requirements, multiple event spaces, a packed live programme, 350 athletes, VIPs and guests were able to share the same spaces, experiences and key moments throughout the evening.

Most importantly, every element of the event was designed around recognising the achievements of the athletes and ensuring they felt welcomed, valued and celebrated.