How is it the end of the year already? It seems only yesterday we were sweltering in that strange 40-degree heat wave of the summer, when I was in Covent Garden gigging/melting in what was essentially a greenhouse. Since then, time has flown by, and I’ve had to rapidly adjust my wardrobe for the winter months. By the way, if my husband asks, this is why I keep going to sample sales, ok?!
Here are some photos of me modelling the latest weather:
Since my last blog in August (soz!) it’s been full on with the last of the year’s weddings and events. Wedding-wise it’s been great to be back performing at some classic London venues such as The Old Marylebone Town Hall, Claridge’s and The Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park. I’ve also been all over the country performing at venues such as Syon Park (of Bridgerton fame), Hengrave Hall (also of Bridgerton fame) and Holywell Hall (just of fame). I also discovered some gorgeous venues I’d never played at before such as The Beacon in Tunbridge Wells, Holmewood Hall and Merrydale Manor.
In September I also got to play for a beautiful wedding in Portugal’s Algarve for the lovely Emily and Anthony. I extended the trip for a little rest and relaxation afterwards, which was well-needed after the busy summer!
As well as weddings I’ve performed for an engagement party, a bar mitzvah at Old Billingsgate and birthday parties at Cambridge University’s Museum or Zoology and Corrigan’s Bar, Mayfair. To add some more variety, I also played for a university graduation ceremony and a launch for some new apartments in East London – never a dull day in the office! I’ve loved being involved in all the celebrations this year.
In the last few months, it’s been so nice to perform at some big corporate events again, especially in the run up to Christmas. These have included an event for an Estonian bank at The Mandrake hotel, a corporate after-party up in Hull for ABP (Association or British Ports, don’t you know!), and an ‘Après-Ski’-themed party dressed in a full ski suit, playing just before the Artful Dodger’s DJ sets. Guess what the crowd said? Hint: rhymes with ‘snow detector’. Geddit?!
With Entourage and André Saxman, lately I’ve had the pleasure of playing for corporate events at the Natural History Museum and Hotel Café Royal. A real highlight though was performing for The Balmoral anniversary party in Edinburgh, where we also got to watch LEMAR do his thing. There really is justice in the world.
Alongside the fabulous DJ Phoebe, I’ve also had the pleasure of performing at Bolesworth Horse Championships, a company party a Claridge’s, and a Christmas party for Calvin Klein / Tommy Hilfiger. As part of House of Angels, we performed together supporting none other than Paris Hilton! Here’s a video of us looking super cool and chilled about the whole affair:
Probably the most lavish corporate event of the year was on a private island just off Corsica, where I performed barefoot on a podium in the sea as my LED violin act, Vio-Glo – very low key! The island was only accessible via speedboat, which felt very James Bond. My face during said speedboat journey, however, was more Mr Bean than Mr Bond. This time, Basement Jaxx were the celebrity headliner and it really was banger after banger, or ‘bingo bango’ as the Corsicans would say.
I've done worse sound checks:
Back in October I was asked to perform at the Lyric Theatre in London for one-night special ‘West End Musical Halloween’ show – a rare public performance for me! It was terribly fun performing alongside some of the West End’s most wickedly talented stars, and a particular highlight for me was performing Christine’s part from The Phantom of the Opera, but on electric violin. It’s what ALW would have wanted, I’m sure.
Thinking of doing this make-up look more often...:
At some point soon, I’ll be playing in the background of an upcoming episode of Michael McIntyre’s Big Show, so keep your eyes peeled! I was also on an episode of ‘I Can See Your Voice’ this month (Series 2, Episode 6 if you're interested!):
That’s it from me for now! I’ll be bringing in the New Year tonight at a private party in the Cotswolds with Entourage so I can’t wait! I hope 2023 is full of good times, good health and love for all of you. See you next year x