The world’s greatest events company Inside Out Productions (they built our fern on Santa Monica beach) have pulled off another masterstroke with the deployment of the Tourism New Zealand giant rugby ball beside the Tower Bridge in London. The 25-metre-long ball, last seen at the foot of the Eiffel Tower during the last Rugby World Cup, has been set up to promote the 2011 tournament being held in New Zealand.
The ball is huge: it has a capacity of 220 people, and once inside visitors experience a stunning full-surround sight and sound spectacular. PM and Tourism Minister John Key officially kicked off proceedings overnight with London Mayor Boris Johnson, who then attended a Kapa Haka performance by local London schoolkids trained by London-based Maori performing arts company Manaia.
Then JK headed back to the ball to meet the Queen (mauve outfit, Silver Fern brooch) with the All Blacks on hand to round out what was a great day for NZ in London.
Hearty congratulations to Mike Mizrahi, Marie Adams, Warwick Bell and the Inside Out Crew for another display of 100% Pure genius.
ps: If you’re in London, stop by for a look and send us your impressions… the ball will be on Potters Fields Park by Tower Bridge and is open to the public Wednesday 26th - Friday 28th November 11am - 5pm, Sunday 30th November 11am - 5pm, and Tuesday 2nd December 11am - 3pm. Admission is free.
