Saturday 25th July 2009, Stadium MK
This year's Masked Ball promises to be bigger and better than ever, for the first time taking place at Stadium MK, the largest ballroom in the area.
THE EVENING
You arrive at Stadium MK, home to the MK Dons, to the red carpet at the entrance where a host of entertainers will welcome you. The ballroom is the focus of the activity throughout the evening with live bands, dancers, a disco and the charity auction whilst elsewhere you'll find the fun casino, portrait photographer, a magician and all kinds of things happening.
YOUR HOSTS: Clare Nasir & Chris Hawkins
Presenting and hosting this year's Masked Ball are husband and wife team Clare Nasir and Chris Hawkins. Clare Nasir is a familiar face to the square-eyed amongst you for presenting several popular TV shows but is best known to early risers as GMTV's weather presenter. Chris Hawkins is a BBC Radio DJ presenting his own daily show on BBC 6 Music as well as regular slots on BBC Radio 2. He may also be familiar to you for being featured recently on BBC TV's "Freaky Eaters" series and subsequently being Harry Hill's guest on his "TV Burp".
LIVE: 'JACKSON LIVE'
'Jackson Live' is the newest tribute to Michael Jackson setting the industry alight and selling out venues wherever they go. Robin Parsons is the 'King of Pop', mirroring Michael in every way. He has the look, he has the moves and he has the voice, replicating the undeniable Jackson tones, singing 100% live throughout this high energy spectacular. Combined with the stunning choreography of Jenny Bater and the immensely talented Hip Hop Pop dancers, this explosive show will stimulate the eyes and ears of all ages. Including all the greatest MJ hits from the Jackson 5 to the solo masterpieces.
LIVE: ESTRELLAS DANCE TROUPE
Guests at last years Masked Ball will have witnessed a spectacular performance by a duo from local dance group Salsa Estrellas. This year we will be treated to a whole troupe performance from the same stable. Click here to find out more about Salsa Estrellas.
LIVE: THE PIMPLES + Special Guests
Headlining the evening are The Pimples, not only the regular hosts of the Masked Ball, they also organise the whole event! Don't be fooled by their silly name, these guys are seriously good! They used to be known as The Blues Collective but now, free from the constraints of a tribute band, they go where other bands wouldn't dare. Special guest vocalists include Graham Dee, Nicky Prince, Jo Farragher, Jason Oakes and Jimmy Volcano.
LIVE: Murray Hockridge - 'acoustic soul'
Watching Murray on stage is mesmerising. A unique voice, borne of an amazing natural talent, Murray has innate musical sensitivity and the courage to explore every level of his three-octave vocal range. Murray hails from a musical family. His father was famed West End leading man Edmund Hockridge, and his mother, Jackie, was a West End actress and leading lady, so Murray and his brothers were exposed to music of all types from childhood. To find out more about Murray click here.
LIVE: The Fusion Gospel Choir
The beautiful sounds of The Fusion Gospel Choir will be coming to The Masked Ball for the first time this year. The choir will be performing at the beginning of the evening to welcome the guests in and will also be joining The Pimples later on to bring the house down!
MAGICIAN: Magic Chris
Chris Richards or 'Magic Chris' as he is known to the many he has astounded with his magic will be circulating around the venue on the evening performing some mindblowing tricks right in front of your eyes. Comments from previous performances: "Captivating and original"; "Charismatic and mind bending","Astounding!". To find out more about Magic Chris click here.
DJ: Paul Sams
Paul Sams has been filling dance floors around the country for many years. In fact, he retired from the circuit a few years back but we managed to persuade him to perform at our first Masked Ball and he enjoyed it so much that he has come back each year!
