Downtown Santa Monica will kick off its celebration for BritWeek tonight with a staging of a 1920s Downton Abbey Vintage party to benefit Big Brothers and Big Sisters at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel.
Events will continue during the weekend in Santa Monica Place and on the Promenade.
Tonight’s gala will honor Laura Carmichael, who plays Lady Edith on the PBS Masterpiece Classic, and Gareth Neame, the executive producer of Downton Abbey, currently shooting Series Four in England.
Guests will dress in their best vintage attire to celebrate Downton Abbey while listening to 1920s music from Richard Halpern and his band and live dance performances.
Spirit merchants Berry Brothers & Rudd and beverage line Fever Tree will serve up pre–prohibition cocktails while FIG Restaurant will provide food.
Vivien Sheriff, milliner to royalty and the stars, is also representing the Best of British headwear through a showcase vintage-inspired headwear collection embodying the timeless glamour reminiscent of the days of the Silver Screen.
Three vignettes with models courtesy of Artist International will welcome guests freeze posing to breath taking effect as they beautifully captured the essence and elegance of the Downton Abbey era and set a Art Deco mood to the festivities.
“BritWeek is thrilled to partner with Downtown Santa Monica in presenting the first–ever Spring Jubilee,” said Sharon Harroun Pierce, Director of BritWeek. “This event is a wonderful opportunity for us to highlight British brands and to recognize the perfect synergy between Santa Monica and the British community.”
BritWeek events will continue this weekend in Santa Monica Place and on the Promenade.
Among the highlights is a live concert called: “The Beatles’ Abbey Road Complete – And More” with music industry veteran Peter Asher, who will play a selection of Peter & Gordon hits as he hosts a special performance of The Beatles’ classic Abbey Road album.
Asher will also introduce Denny Laine, co-founder of the Moody Blues and Wings, and Terry Sylvester of the Hollies as Denny, Terry and band play the Abbey Road album start to finish on Saturday, May 4 from 7–9 pm at Santa Monica Place’s Center Plaza.
Along the Santa Monica Promenade will be environmentally focused vendors, gardens designed by leading landscape architects and designers, live entertainment, speakers and demonstrations, all with a distinctly British flair.
The event will span three blocks along the Promenade from Wilshire to Broadway, with the main performance stage located in Santa Monica Place.
For more information, visit www.downtownsm.com/spring-jubilee.
