It will go down in history as one of the most extravagant A-list bashes ever hosted in Belfast.
Last night’s Game of Thrones stars bring red carpet glamour to Belfast for premiere of final season saw an exclusive list of around 700 guests, including a host of the blockbuster series’ star cast, party the night away in the company of greatness.
Three enormous dragons hovered overhead and an 11-foot tall willow throne was elevated six feet in the air, creating a spectacular centrepiece for a sight - and a night - to remember.
The man behind the magnificence, legendary HBO event designer Billy Butchkavitz, had spent months planning it.
“The theme for the Belfast party was earthy,” he said. “It was all inspired by the willow of the dragons and the throne that were made in Cultra by an artist from Northern Ireland, Bob Johnston, and it became all about the nature and the spectacular beauty Northern Ireland brought to Game Of Thrones.
“The premiere in New York was themed on the blood and fire of the series but Belfast had to be different. I loved working on it.”
Billy, who is based in Pasadena, California, has designed some of the world’s biggest parties in his 25-year association with HBO.
And with everything from the Emmys and the Golden Globes to some of the world’s biggest premieres under his belt, last night’s HBO event, co-hosted by Sky and NI Screen at ICC Belfast, was in safe hands.
Bringing the star touch to the city, Billy and his team of 10 party planners shipped 70 enormous cases of props and decor to the city from right around the world over the past few weeks.
They sent elaborate, flowing Indian-made robes for the 70 waiting staff.
They shipped life-sized paper costumes in huge refrigerator boxes to be displayed at the party.
Crafted by dress-makers at the LA Opera, and based on sketches by Game of Thrones costume designer Michele Clapton, the costumes will be donated on to Northern Ireland’s museums today.
“The plan was to give the whole place a neutral tone with huge ivory draping over the ceiling and the walls,” said Billy.
“It was to create this stunning backdrop for the lighting, a gorgeous effect of hundreds of candles, soft amber and chocolate tones to look like there was moonlight coming through the trees with old-school gobos making beautiful patterns around the room.”
And keeping the guests fresh-faced and selfie-ready for the do’s wood-covered photobooths and GIF-makers, the hosts even had an army of Urban Decay make-up artists on hand, just a stone’s throw from the dancefloor.
“This is a big thing at parties in LA,” said Billy. “If it’s an early red carpet then the guests have a long day. They want to feel good and look good right the way through.”
Game of Thrones stars bring red carpet glamour to Belfast for premiere of final season
For a bit of local magic, the party planner enlisted the help of Belfast DJ Rusty Hinges for the music.
“We wanted the guests to come and party hard, to get up on the dancefloor and have a blast,” said Billy. “Rusty Hinges is awesome.”
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What they ate
The guests of honour were treated to an extravagant feast prepared by Hospitality Belfast. Here’s what was on the menu:
* Posh fish & chips
* Jam jar salad selections
* Steak sliders/chickpea sliders
* Mini pie selection
* Charred chicken/chorizo skewers
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What they drank
Drinks giant Diageo organised the all-important drinks for the big night. Here’s what the stars were drinking:
* Tanqueray
* Tanqueray 10
* Ketel One Vodka
* Bulleit
* Roe & Co
* White Walker by Johnnie Walker
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