| Main Performers | Craid Hassal (CEO, Royal Albert Hall) - speaker |
| Secondary Performers | Roger Daltrey (The Who, Honourary Patron TCT),
Eric Clapton,
Katherine Mayer (Founder, Women's Equality Party),
Katie Derham (Presenter, BBC Proms)
David Pickard (Director, BBC Proms),
Ginger Gibbons (Vice-Chairman, Chelsea Arts Club),
Eve Ferret (Chelsea Arts Club),
Lucy Dickens (Adele's Manager, International Talent Booking),
Randolph Churchill (Great Grandson of Sir Winston Churchill),
Celia Sandys (Granddaughter of Sir Winston Churchill),
Simon Arenson (Director of Development, British Friends of the Hebrew University) - award collectors |
| Set List | 10:00 Reception,
10:30 Speeches and Awards (Craig Hassal):
Queen Victoria,
Roger Daltrey (accepted by Roger Daltrey),
The Suffragettes (accepted by Katherine Mayer),
Eric Clapton (accepted by Eric Clapton),
Dame Shirley Bassey,
Chelsea Arts Club (accepted by Ginger Gibbons, Eve Ferret),
Adele (accepted by Lucy Dickens),
BBC Proms (accepted by Katie Derham, David Pickard),
Muhammad Ali,
Albert Einstein (accepted by Simon Arenson),
Sir Winston Churchill (accepted by Randolph Churchill, Celia Sandys),
11:00 Press Call (Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Steps),
11:30 Closing Reception |
| Performance Notes | Eleven of the most celebrated names from the Royal Albert Hall's stellar history have been commemorated with specially-engraved stones outside the famous building, ahead of the venue's 150th anniversary. The Royal Albert Hall Stars - each featuring an engraved stone topped off with a brass star - are dedicated to 11 key players in the building's history, from its opening in 1871 to the present day, beginning with Queen Victoria and ending with Adele.
The project was unveiled at a star-studded launch, attended by Eric Clapton, Roger Daltrey, the Chelsea Arts Club, Katie Derham (representing the BBC Proms), Women's Equality Party founder Catherine Mayer (the Suffragettes) and descendants of Sir Winston Churchill. Other famous names celebrated include Albert Einstein, Muhammad Ali and Dame Shirley Bassey.
Craig Hassall, Chief Executive of the Royal Albert Hall, said: "We're thrilled to be able to unveil the first 11 Royal Albert Hall Stars, recognising the unrivalled place that the venue holds in Britain's social and cultural life - and the people and groups who have made it that way. From political activists to groundbreaking artists, Churchill to charity shows, Ali to Adele, this project recognises the unparalleled diversity of the Hall's history, and many of the unforgettable characters and events who have helped to shape this British institution."
Adele: "The Royal Albert Hall holds a very special place in my heart not only because of my own show there but also because it's my favourite venue in the world and I've seen some really special performances there. To be recognized by such an iconic landmark amongst a list of people, some of whom changed the world is a bit overwhelming to be honest, but I'm immensely proud and grateful."
Roger Daltrey CBE: "The Who and I have come a long way since being banned from the Hall back in 1972! This star symbolises how much we have achieved for young people with cancer over the years and I would like to thank all the artists who have been there for me and the charity since we started. I'm proud of what we've achieved together and am honoured to receive a star in recognition of this work." (After making their Hall debut in 1969, The Who were infamously banned from the venue after a slew of riotous shows from the likes of Frank Zappa, Deep Purple and Pink Floyd led to a temporary halt on all rock and pop events.)
Lonnie Ali, widow of Muhammad Ali: "What a thrill it is to learn that Muhammad is being awarded an inaugural Royal Albert Hall Star! I am elated that he is being honoured by this prestigious and historical institution. Muhammad would have been so proud. He loved England and the English people. He especially loved the city of London. On behalf of myself and the Ali family, please accept our humble thanks and appreciation."
Randolph Churchill, great-grandson of Sir Winston Churchill: "My great-grandfather and the Royal Albert Hall were near contemporaries. He was born in 1874; it was opened in 1871. Their paths crossed many times, when Churchill used the Hall as a high-profile platform for his oratory. It was the stage from which he praised the role of women, stating in September 1943 that 'war has taught us to make these vast strides forward towards a far more complete equalisation of the parts to be played by men and women in society. It was also the venue from which he made his historic Thanksgiving Day address on 23 November 1944, in the aftermath of the successful D-Day landings, predicting that 'our common hatred of tyranny, which we have maintained during these dark and fearful days, shall become a lasting union of sympathy and good-feeling and loyalty and hope between all the British and American peoples, wherever they may dwell.' I am very pleased that the connection between Sir Winston and this Hall is being maintained and my cousin Celia Sandys and I are delighted to represent our family at this unveiling. Long may Churchill and the Royal Albert Hall continue to make history together."
The Royal Albert Hall Stars are 11 separate engraved stones around the exterior of the Grade I listed building, each one dedicated to a person or institution who has helped to shape the venue's history
Other guests at the event included Kate Finch (Head of Marketing, Publications and Learning, BBC Proms), David Hoare (Chairman, TCT), Dr Adrian Whiteson OBS and Myrna Whitseon MBE (Founders and Life Presidents, TCT), Kate Collins (CEO, TCT), Geoffrey Matthews (Secretary, TCT), Jsutin Kennedy (son of Celia Sandys), Melissa McEnery (wife of Eric Clapton), Michael Eaton (Eric Clapton's Manager), Dennis Arnold, Jeanne White, Peter Wilson (Triple A Management), Jon Moynihan (President, Royal Albert Hall), David and Elie Dangoor (Members), Fergus Wessell (Stonemason).
On 5 September 2018 HRH Prince Charles was presented with an award for Queen Victoria's 'Star', whilst attending an event at the Hall. |
| Related Archival Material | Digital Photographs,
Invitation (RAHE/8/4/2018/1),
Video (Creation of the Stars) |