- What was the event?

Friends of the Earth launched The Big Ask campaign three years ago. It called for a new law that would tackle what is arguably the main cause of climate change - carbon dioxide emissions. With the Climate Change Bill now passing through parliament, the gig - headlined by Razorlight - highlighted calls for the Government to include aviation and shipping emissions in the law. Attendees were largely competition winners, VIPs and campaign supporters taken from all industry sectors, with the notable exclusion of aviation and shipping.

- How was the event structured?

The intimate,100-person gig was staged in the Science Museum's Flight Gallery on 3 June. With such a pertinent and dramatic backdrop, the set demanded little dressing. A small stage, aptly lit in green and overlooked by The Big Ask branding, provided the centrepiece upon which each of the acts performed. Friends of the Earth director Tony Juniper was first to address the audience with an impassioned speech about The Big Ask campaign.

The first musical act to grace the stage was John McClure, lead singer of Reverend And The Makers. He sang four acoustic tracks before being joined by rapper Lowkey, who dazzled with his politically charged raps.

Next on the bill were The Aviators, an unlikely band made up of politicians Lembit Opik, Peter Wishart, Anne Milton, Emily Thornberry and Ian Cawsey. The cross-party collective, which formed especially for the event, performed just one song, Leaving On A Jet Plane.

Shortly after, Johnny Borrell and his Razorlight bandmates treated the small gathering to five of their songs, closing the set with the track Fall, Fall, Fall. The night concluded with a set by DJ Analisa Astarita.

- Who was behind the event?

Friends of the Earth worked closely with integrated marketing agency Unity on the project. This was the first time the two had partnered for an event. Among the suppliers were Wise Productions, who provided AV support, and Razorlight's tour management Fruit Pie Music. Ben Queenborough was commissioned as official photographer, with Thomas King Productions on hand to film the show.

- What were the highlights?

The event, especially the first-class entertainment throughout, provided a focus for what is a valuable and thought-provoking cause. The choice of relevant venue allowed the team to focus on providing engaging content that both educated and entertained the audience.

SUPPLIER FILE
Ben Queenborough
www.thepicturebox.net
07970 495809

Fruit Pie Music
www.fruitpiemusic.com
(020) 8679 9289

Thomas King Productions
07909 957590

Unity
www.hellounity.com
(020) 7405 0974

Wise Productions
www.wiseproductions.co.uk
(020) 8993 3003