- London venue hosts largest catering undertaking to date -

London, 7 July 2008: ExCeL London hosted one of the largest events of its kind last week with the arrival of over 85,000 guests to The Golden Jubilee of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan (2nd – 6th July). In an outstanding co-operative effort between the event organiser, ExCeL London, and Leith's Catering, the project team undertook the production of 100,000 covers over the five days.

"This was an enormous undertaking by everyone involved, and one that needed to be meticulously planned and implemented," commented Vanessa Cotton, Managing Director, ExCeL London Conference and Events. "Everything from the authenticity of the food to the decor was thought through in detail. Our excellent relationships with our on campus partners such as transport and local hotels meant every visitor was looked after in style, even on the biggest day when 30,000 visitors were on site."

The one off event was attended by visitors from across the world as well as the local community who played a vital role in supplying 1,000 volunteer helpers to the event. Every visitor was catered for with authentic food developed, through Leith's Catering, with local experts as well as the organisers. The venue itself was transformed into a truly celebratory environment with carpeting throughout, impactful decor, dramatic AV and production as well as a consistently used event 'brand'.

The diversity of the event also made for a spectacular occasion with everyone catered for, from community elders to over 600 children in a specially constructed crèche.