Port of Felixstowe Anniversary Celebrations
Documenting the 150th anniversary gala event at the historic Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich, capturing the elegance, atmosphere and significance of this landmark celebration.
Client
Port of Felixstowe
Location
Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich
Services
Challenge
Documenting a prestigious gala event for 150+ distinguished guests in the historic Painted Hall, requiring discreet, unobtrusive photography that preserved the authentic ambiance and low atmospheric lighting while capturing the character, emotion and natural rhythm of the celebration.
Solution
Working discreetly throughout the Painted Hall and adjoining spaces, Stephen moved seamlessly to capture candid interactions, elegant details and the natural flow of the evening. His sensitive approach maintained the intimate, elegant mood of the venue while ensuring comprehensive coverage of guests, entertainment and the spectacular drone finale.
Result
The final collection of photographs now forms a central part of the Port of Felixstowe's anniversary communications. The images are being used across press releases, marketing materials, internal publications and digital channels, serving as a lasting visual record of an event that marks one of the most significant milestones in the port's history.
A Landmark Celebration
June 2025 marked the beginning of a landmark year for the Port of Felixstowe, as the organisation launched its 150th anniversary celebrations with a flagship gala event. The chosen venue — the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich — offered a fitting sense of history, grandeur and heritage, creating the perfect backdrop for an evening designed to honour the port's past while looking confidently to its future.
A Gathering of the Port Community
More than 150 distinguished guests gathered for the occasion, representing every corner of the port community. Senior customers, long-standing suppliers, employee representatives and notable public officials all came together to celebrate a century and a half of progress and partnership. The atmosphere was one of genuine pride, shared achievement and anticipation for the decades ahead.
The Painted Hall
The event took place in the world-famous Painted Hall, often regarded as one of the most spectacular dining rooms in Europe. Its baroque murals, soaring ceilings and dramatic sense of scale added an undeniable magic to the evening. As guests arrived, the venue's artistry and architectural splendour immediately set the tone for a night that was both celebratory and deeply meaningful.
Documenting the Event
Stephen was commissioned to document the entire event — a clear recognition of the importance of creating a visual record that could reflect the status of the occasion. His brief was to capture not just the people in attendance, but the character, atmosphere and emotion of the night. Working discreetly, he moved throughout the Painted Hall and adjoining spaces to capture candid interactions, elegant details and the natural rhythm of the celebration.
An Evening of Storytelling
Throughout the evening, guests enjoyed entertainment inspired by the decades that have shaped the port's journey. Live music, dance performances and curated moments of storytelling blended seamlessly to create a rich sense of narrative — one that connected Felixstowe's origins with its role as a modern international gateway. Hosting the event was acclaimed Suffolk-born soprano Laura Wright, whose warm presence and professional charisma guided guests effortlessly from one highlight to the next.
Preserving Authentic Ambiance
Preserving the authentic ambiance of the event was central to Stephen's approach. The Painted Hall's natural beauty and low, atmospheric lighting gave the evening a sense of intimacy and elegance, and this mood was intentionally maintained through sensitive, unobtrusive photography. The resulting images feel genuine and immersive — a true reflection of what it was like to be in the room.
A Spectacular Finale
As the night drew to a close, the celebrations moved outdoors for a spectacular finale. Guests gathered along the Thames to witness a stunning drone display choreographed above the water, bringing together light, movement and music in a dramatic tribute to the port's 150-year legacy. It was a moment that perfectly encapsulated the spirit of the evening: a combination of heritage, innovation and shared celebration.
Gallery
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