Paul Smith Associates
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GIG…fyi fuels the stars at 21st National Television Awards

Chesham, Bucks: January 22, 2016: As the stars celebrated their National Television Awards on stage, behind the scenes GIG…fyi had the enviable job of providing enticing food and drinks to the hundreds of celebrities attending the biggest night in British TV.

For the thirteenth consecutive year Global Infusion Group’s bespoke corporate & private party planning, catering and event design division was appointed by production house Indigo Television to co-ordinate VIP hospitality at the awards that honour television’s best-loved shows and stars.

GIG…fyi (feeding your imagination) also kept the hundreds of back-stage crew fuelled with round-the-clock food and refreshments during the build and break of the 21st anniversary show, which was hosted by Dermot O’Leary and broadcast live on ITV on January 20 from London’s O2 Arena.

Competition was fierce and the big winners, who are chosen by viewers via a huge nationwide poll, included Downton Abbey scooping the Drama title, EastEnders the Serial Drama category and Strictly Come Dancing the Talent Show award.

Ant and Dec remained the undisputed kings of British television when they picked up the top Presenter gong for the fifteenth year in a row while Billy Connolly received a Special Recognition Award for his illustrious career, which has spanned five decades.

For the 800 VIP guests, pre show GIG…fyi provided fully serviced bars and delicious canapés of smoked salmon with pickled fennel salad on potato cake and ham hock terrines served on edible spoons.

Afterwards they were treated to a Champagne reception with bowl food comprising of braised beef cheek, miso sesame salmon and tomato and saffron risotto as well as salt and pepper prawn and smoked chicken canapés. Desserts included lemon posset with shortbread and salted caramel chocolate mousse with honeycomb.

Refreshments were also provided for the press and green rooms as well as the Star Treatment area where 550 guests with upgraded tickets could take advantage of full hair, make up, nails and massage facilities.

Katy Turner, Operations Manager for GIG...fyi, said: “It’s always a pleasure and an honour to work at the National Television Awards feeding some of the biggest names in the TV and entertainment world. Operationally it is a challenge with so many areas running at once that sees 70 staff on site at the ceremony serving over 2,000 canapes and 2,400 bowls of food.”

She added: “Preparations start before Christmas when we agree the options from a bespoke sample menu that we specifically develop for the awards. This year the menu combines contemporary items with popular favourites that have been given a unique new twist in their presentation.”

PAUL SMITH ASSOCIATES
22nd January 2016