The eve of The BNC Show is getting a serious glow-up.

This year, once again, the fabulous team at Central Hall Westminster (CHW) are putting on a pre-show dinner to The BNC Show and we couldn’t be more excited.

We sat down with event CHW’s Global Business Development Lead, Liam Farrelly, to get the inside scoop on why this dinner is the 'can’t miss' event for buyers this year.

Following on from the massive success of last year’s tropical-themed debut, masterminded by the creatives at Boo Productions, Liam and the team are leaning into the venue’s natural "wow factor’ and adding a touch of the 1920s to this year’s dinner.

With its swirling staircases and grand halls, CHW will provide an iconic backdrop for a night of celebration vintage-style, the mood-setting aided by performers from entertainment agency Sternberg Clarke.

"It’s our opportunity to have some fun," says Liam. "Rhiannon Thomas initially suggested the cabaret theme, and I’m a massive fan so I ran with that and bringing this vision to life has been so much fun.”

Months of hard work and planning have gone into an evening that promises to dazzle from the moment guests arrive.

Inspired by the bold cabaret colour scheme, Liam has designed an evening that transports guests to a sultry, high-energy 1920s Speakeasy. Think red-lit ambience, moody glamour, a glittering centrepiece and the unmistakable energy of live jazz with sax and piano setting the tone.

Every detail has been carefully considered: from immersive production and atmospheric lighting to beautifully styled tablescapes and standout entertainment, including a show-stopping contortionist and dazzling visual moments.

Liam has carefully considered every single detail. From the lamps on the tables to the specific hues of the lighting “Every element is designed to be a sensory touchpoint.,” he enthuses.

Thanks to event partners Green & Fortune, Boo Productions, d&b Solutions and Sternberg Clarke the vision will be a bursting-to-life reality.

In a refreshing twist for the events industry, this year’s dinner features an approach to sensible socials. There won’t be a drop of alcohol at the start of the evening. Instead, guests will enjoy expertly curated mocktails, proving you don’t need alcohol to create a buzzing atmosphere.

Later, during dinner, award winning caterers Green & Fortune, a sophisticated tasting menu paired wines will be served.

"We are so proud to have our award-winning caterers on site," Liam notes. “And I want to thank them and all of our event partners for planning this fabulous evening.”

Last year saw 40 top-tier buyers enjoying the festivities, but with a new space to showcase, CHW is ready to accommodate even more.

“Following the success of last year’s sell-out event, we’re going bigger, welcoming even more buyers and suppliers for an evening that will not only showcase our new spaces but really put Central Hall Westminster on the map,” Liam confirms.

“If you’re arriving in London a day early for The BNC Show, this is where your networking starts… let’s get you networking and having fun before the big day.”

Liam may be behind the scenes for this one, but his fingerprints are everywhere: "I’m not going to be there on the night, sadly, but I am preparing the most amazing evening for you guys. We are going to make the dinner another showstopping occasion!”