On the longest summer day of the year, Wimbledon got dressed up in glamorous white and light colours to attend Lady Wimbledon’s Tennis Party at Hotel Du Vin Cannizaro House. The event was held in support of local charity Jigsaw4U, who support young people and their families through difficult experiences.
Set inside the sun drenched glass Orangery that opens out onto Cannizaro Park’s grounds, the venue couldn’t have been more perfect to kick start the celebrations as The Championships approach.
The Eyes of Lady W tribe were first to arrive and joined Lady Wimbledon in her show-stopping Ela London dress and hat by Bee Smith. Photographs were taken on the red carpet (sponsored by My Natural Whites) against the tennis themed entrance, as South West London TV filmed all the action.
Celebrity Big Brother’s Jason Burrill from Celeb FC – a non-profit agency founded by Karin Flower, that organises influencers to play football and attend events supporting UK charities – made quite an entrance, arriving in his white Ferrari and matching outfit.
Guests were drawn in towards the sound of chilled trance music by Taylor Torr, otherwise known as Vibes. Inside, the Orangery was decorated with official merchandise from the AELTC’s first Wimbledon pop-up shop, including official towels designed by Christy.
Two pop-up bars stationed inside were serving gin cocktails by Sipsmith and distilled non-alcoholic spirits by Seedlip. Opposite, Cannizaro’s bar area was stacked full of fresh seafood on ice. From oysters and prawns to crab from their summer menu, there were bucketfuls to enjoy.
The Wimbledon Brewery truck was stationed on the patio outside, serving their brand new Pale Ale for the very first time; the perfect refreshing summer drink that will be launched throughout the tennis season. Next to them, a BBQ offered mini hamburgers, hot dogs, tuna skewers and halloumi skewers.
Making use of the vast Cannizaro grounds, was Mikey the Macaw, a vibrantly blue and yellow parrot and resident of SW19. The bravest of the guests stole a photo with this lively character, letting him claw his way up their arms before he swept off to do a lap of the park.
Back inside, and Britain’s Got Talent 2016 runner up, Wayne Woodward, was ready to start his live set. Singing jazz hits like Sinatra’s Way You Look Tonight and Somewhere Beyond The Sea, his dulcet tones drew a large crowd. Amongst those were local press including SW Resident Magazine and editors Karine Torr and Marja-Leena of Darling Magazine.
Joining them were sports presenter Michael Kurn and DJ MC Kie who came straight from the airport after performing in Majorca; both from Celeb FC.
It was a beautiful party, held for an amazing cause and the best way to begin celebrations for the Wimbledon Championships.
Photography by Charlie Burgio
Written by Sunna Naseer
Instagram: @sunna_naseer
Twitter: @Sunna_Naseer
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