It’s hard to believe that as someone who is London born and bred, this was my very first visit to the The O2. I don’t know why I had never made it down there before but when I was contacted by Frontera Wines to attend The BRIT Awards, I naturally jumped at the chance. Frontera Wines, the number one selling Chilean wine range in the world, is the official Wine Partner of The BRIT Awards 2016.
The O2 building looks enormous on the outside and my God, it looks and feels even bigger inside. On the evening of The BRIT Awards, I had to battle to get out of North Greenwich tube station as it seemed like the whole world was there heading to the venue. Inside the building the atmosphere was incredible. The place was buzzing with excitement and activity. I met the team from Frontera Wines and spent about 45 minutes with them discussing wine (of course) and the awards as we sat in a restaurant for a meal inside the The O2. When it was time to head up into the arena and get seated, I remember the feeling I experienced when I made my way through the entrance doors and into the arena. It was one of pure awe. It was visually stunning. So beautiful and magical. I stood entirely still for a few minutes just staring all over the place.
When The BRIT Awards show started the atmosphere was unbelievable, with each beat and note of every song making my body vibrate. It felt great and was electrifying. The audience often got up from their seats to dance, sing and move their arms around to match the rhythm of the songs. It was such a great night for Adele who had won four awards on the night, including best British female solo artist and best album. My favourite moment of the night was easily the tribute to David Bowie performed by his band through a series of his former hit songs. Lorde sang the lyrics. It was a very emotional experience and one to forever remember.
The BRIT Awards after-party for VIP guests was incredibly fun. I have been to many great after-parties over the years but this one was very different. Away from the dark dancefloor room, was a section next to it which was brightly lit. Right there was a funfair and festival type activities taking place. You could play funfair type games where you win a cuddly toy for successfully throwing balls into holes. There was a glitter tattoo area where make-up artists were creating them for anyone who wanted them. Candy floss, ice cream and other food were being handed out. Stand up comedians dressed in costumes had their own corner spots where they were telling jokes and having a banter with small audiences. My favourite part of the area though, was a little room in which you could go and dress up in superhero type costumes. Yes you read that right. It was pretty amazing. Costumes were handed out (there was a room to get changed too) where you could dress up in a full-body super hero costume, with masks and capes. That’s not all either. There was a make-up artist on hand to put some David Bowie Ziggy Stardust inspired glitter make-up on your face. SO AMAZING. And guess what? You were allowed to keep the costumes! Everything was free. I only wish I could have stayed for longer but being two hours away from home meant I had to leave earlier than I wanted to. The entire experience was absolutely brilliant and one I sincerely hope to have again next year. I have all of my fingers crossed, hoping I get an invite! Thank you very much, Frontera Wines.
** Photos of all the performers (excluding the after-party) are by JMEnternational.com
