Scotland’s big night out to celebrate the energy industry is now sold out; three months in advance of the event.
Around 1,300 people will attend the annual Press and Journal Energy Ball, held in association with haulage firm Grampian Continental.
This is the fifth year of the black-tie event and it will be the largest turnout in its history, with guests from home and abroad enjoying another evening of top-class food and entertainment.
Press and Journal editor Damian Bates announced at last night’s Energy Ball launch that the official charity for the event was once again Monty’s Maggie’s Appeal.
The 2011 ball gave a £30,000 boost to the campaign raising £3million for a new centre at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. The facility, which will provide practical and emotional support to people with cancer and their loved ones, is expected to open next year.
Mr Bates told ball sponsors at the launch held at celebrity chef Nick Nairn’s new cook school in Aberdeen: “The Energy Ball has now become an integral part of the social calendar for the north of Scotland and this year’s event promises to be the biggest and best yet.
“It’s a sellout with a record attendance and we’re really excited at some of the surprises that are on offer.
“We all know the value of the energy sector to the north of Scotland and this is a chance for everyone to let their hair down and celebrate the industry’s continuing success.”
The Energy Ball, a highlight of the Scottish social calendar, is at Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre (AECC) on Saturday, August 18.
Entertainment will include the Magic of Soul & Motown and electric string quartet Escala, plus a surprise act.
Organiser George Walker said this year’s event would be even bigger and better than previous balls. He added: “Planning started immediately after the last ball and guests are sure to have another great time this year.”
Around 1,200 people attended last summer’s sellout event.
The guests in 2011 were greeted by a transformed Press and Journal Arena at the centre. The venue was almost unrecognisable as guests milled among sports cars, a helicopter and even gleaming farm machinery.
The ball was the biggest dinner of the year for AECC. There was a team of more than 160 staff to make sure everything ran smoothly. Eleven chefs, eight kitchen porters and 70 food waiting staff were on duty together with 70 bar staff.
Sponsors for the 2012 Energy Ball include:
Title Sponsor: Grampian Continental.
Gold Sponsor: Aker Qserv.
Silver Sponsors: Port Services; Bristow; CHC; Panalpina; Westerton; Wood Group PSN.
Bronze Sponsors: North East Telecommunications; Precision Oiltools; Axis Well Technology; Eastern Airways; Pentagon Freight Services; OPS Group; Maritime Assurance & Consulting; Helix Well Ops; Prodrill; Harris Caprock; Aker Solutions.