On the same day as the Royal Wedding and the FA Cup Final, Harrodian celebrated its silver anniversary with characteristic Harrodian elegance and panache. The Harrodian School Parents Association (HSPA) and Events Committee organised a wonderful evening for 540 guests consisting of parents, staff, former parents and founding pupils.
Drinks and canapés were served in a Senior courtyard adorned with silver Easigrass bears and musical accompaniment provided by our very own Harrodian jazz band.
Guests were then ushered into the beautifully decorated Marquee for dinner.
They were served a selection of sharing platters, from pâtés and artisan breads for starters to barbecued meats, fish, vegetables and salads for mains. A dessert station offering petit fours and other sweet treats, and an illuminated, purple Champagne Bar, were also popular hot spots.
Dinner was followed by speeches and tributes by the Headmaster, Head Boy and Head Girl, Principal of the Senior School, Chair of the HSPA and Chairman. The anniversary cake was cut by the Chairman, Sir Alford, his sister, Mrs Moore and founding pupils, Julia (who now works at Harrodian) and Abbas.
A live and silent auction were hugely successful and raised £120,000 for the Bursary Fund.
Virtuoso guitarist and Harrodian parent, Tomoyasu Hotei, impressed guests with music he had composed for films such as Kill Bill and Mission Impossible. He created an energetic buzz around the room but also set the bar very high for those musicians who followed.
However the Humanities Staff Band (Mr Nowell, Ms Dillon, Mr Lineker, Mr Glen and Mr Woodward), who were up next, did not disappoint. They lit up the stage with an amazing set that appealed to all age groups and covered a variety of music genres. Everybody crowded onto the dance floor to show their appreciation!
Cheques in the Post, an eight-piece band, then performed a number of classic hits, followed by our very own Antonio on the decks, as guests danced into the night.
A huge thanks to our HSPA and Events Committee, led by Rachael, and to all those who helped and supported either by giving up their time, offering resources or donating amazing auction prizes. It was a highly enjoyable and memorable evening for all those who were able to attend.
