Representatives from Parabis, AOK Events and Wedgewood Britain attended the romantic-themed 'Loved-Up' evening, which included rose petal martinis and canapés on arrival in the party reception room.
Guests could interact and take photos with a number of the attraction’s waxworks including A-list couple Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt.
Attendees were then welcomed into the World Stage, which had been transformed into a supper club featuring tables lit with candelabras and dressed with ivy. One table included a waxwork model of former Hollywood actress Audrey Hepburn in the infamous Breakfast at Tiffany’s black Givenchy dress. Guests were able to sit by her and pose for pictures.
A large screen played romantic clips from films including Gone with the Wind, From Now and Till Eternity and Casablanca. Nate James, a former contestant from BBC One’s The Voice, entertained the crowds singing a mixture of classic and contemporary songs.
Brit Awards caterer Payne & Gunter was enlisted to create and deliver a three-course dinner. It consisted of an ‘it takes two’ sharing plate starter, and a main course of hay-baked salt marsh lamb cutlet, mini shepherd’s pie, spring greens, minted pea puree and a red wine jus.
The ‘threesome’ dessert was a chocolate heart filled with raspberry mousse, raspberry ice-cream pop with chocolate dipping sauce and a raspberry meringue kiss, and was followed by coffee, passion fruit macaroons and a flaming Sambuca shot.
Emma Greenfield, sales and events marketing manager, Merlin Events, said: "Every year we host a showcase for event buyers. This year we wanted to do something different and allow organisers to enjoy a night out with their partner or a friend. Loved Up gave organisers a chance to experience the venue in an entirely new way and I believe created a deeper lasting impression as it was a personal event rather than a mid-week work showcase.
"The event was also open to the public so created a good mix of people from the industry and outside adding a different slant on the conventional showcase format. Loved Up sold out and has been a great success, we’ve had really wonderful feedback, particularly how the large world stage event space was transformed into a intimate setting."
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