Observer Ethical Awards 2008
For the third year running Seventeen were delighted to organise these prestigious Awards.
Annie Lennox presents the Conservation Award to COAST
Tipi tents decorate the gardens at the Hempel Hotel
Ken Livingstone receives the Politician Award from hosts Marcus Brigstocke and Lucy Siegle
Colin Firth at the Awards party
Guests enjoy drinks at the Awards party
Natalie Imbruglia with Awards host and Observer columnist Lucy Siegle
The party took place in the grounds of the Hempel Hotel, Bayswater, and featured large tipi tents decorated with specially commissioned furniture from an east London ethical designer. Guests enjoyed organic cocktails and Prosecco during the Awards presentation which was hosted by TV presenter, comedian and ethical adventurer Marcus Brigstocke. This year’s Conservation Award was presented by Annie Lennox, who wowed an exclusive crowd which included Colin Firth and his wife Livia, Natalie Imbruglia and Dragons’ Den star Deborah Meaden. After the Awards had been presented to winners including Ken Livingstone and Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, the guests enjoyed a fantastic acoustic set from Beth Rowley.
Throughout the planning and delivery of the Awards, Seventeen had two key criteria in mind: the party had to be as sustainable as possible, but it also had to amaze and inspire guests and demolish any stereotypes or preconceptions about what a “green” event should look like. Seventeen used the BS8901 management system to ensure that the Awards adhered to the highest possible standards of sustainability. Some measures introduced this year were appointing First Mile Ltd to recycle card waste accumulated during the event, designing the invitations from sheets of recycled crushed wellies, and using locally sourced seasonal flowers for the floral displays.
Congratulations to all the winners - the 2009 Awards will launch next January so keep an eye on www.observer.co.uk/ethicalawards for more details.
“The Observer Ethical Awards goes from strength to strength and this is in no small part down to Seventeen Events. They have delivered consistently excellent awards ceremonies and this year the Hempel Gardens was the best so far.” - Sara Rhodes, Head of Sponsorship, Events and Marketing Operations at Guardian News and Media