On Thursday 8th June, City Central at The HAC played host for the NABS’ Stranger than Summer: Twisted Toy Box party. GSP Events pulled out all the stops for this fundraiser.

NABS provides support for people working within the advertising and media industry, through career coaching, guidance, networking opportunities, workshops and grants. They are passionate about improving people’s wellbeing and supporting them through their career.

The Artillery Garden at The HAC was transformed into a giant play den, with oversized alphabet building blocks, huge crayons, a full-size train engine, snakes and ladders theming, and puppets hanging from the ceiling. The 10m long bar was converted into the Broken Toy Bar with damaged dolls propped against the bottles.

On arrival guests had numerous opportunities to find their inner child with The Artillery Garden’s private fun fair, floor piano, giant Scalextric and the Toy Transformation Stations (face painting!). Live green toy soldiers entertained guests, as well as the toy box themed photo booth.

The Stranger than Summer committee took centre stage and welcomed the guests through to the main room, just before a delicious three course meal by Create was served. Gin cured salmon fillet with elderflower cream, peach blossom, pickled lemon, spelt crumb and dill was given as the starter.

The main course followed with pot roasted guinea fowl, potato fondant, salsify puree, charred tender stem broccoli, confit salsify, Madeira and tarragon. Guests were then invited to take part in the “guess who killed Humpty Dumpty” challenge. A trio of desserts finished the meal with mini eclairs, chocolate cake pops and earl grey panna cotta.

Charity auctioneer, Russ Williams, was then brought to the stage to kick start the auction. Prizes included luxury treatment at a Mayfair spa, Champagne Afternoon Tea at The Worsley, a case of wine from Hedonist Wines, a year’s subscription to Sky Cinema packages and tickets to see Manchester United.

For the finale Jamelia took to the stage, guests enjoyed the performance then headed to the dancefloor to finish their evening of fun in central London.

If you would like to host your summer party at City Central next year, get in touch today and secure your date!