Former 1500m world champion Steve Cram officially started the race, with about 100,000 spectators lining the streets of Brighton and Hove.  As he held the winning tape with retired boxer Michael Watson, Kenyan Philemon Kiprop hit the finishing line first in 2:16:07; breaking the course record by three minutes.  He was followed by fellow Kenyan Richard Rotich and Ethiopian Abessy Tolossa.  Great Britain’s Dan Robinson was fourth at 2:19:12. The first woman to finish was Alyson Dixon at 2:34:51; 30 minutes faster than last year’s winner, followed by Lucy Macalister and Julie Briscoe.

Once again, sponsors Office Summer were at the halfway point with their giant yellow inflatable arch; cheering on participants.  “It was fantastic to be amongst cheering spectators; all encouraging runners as they made it past the half way point – an amazing atmosphere to be a part of”, says Director Alasdair Adam.  Many entered into the spirit of running for charity; donning fancy dress outfits to mimic iconic characters such as Superman, Mario and Luigi, Sonic the Hedgehog, Noddy and Fred Flintstone among others.  Not to forget the token stick of Brighton Rock.  With live bands playing along the course, the seaside city was alive and buzzing.

It is predicted that there will be a £15m boost to the city’s economy with the money raised for charities.  Marathon organisers have revealed they plan to increase the number of runners to 20,000 in 2012.  This year, over 230 Local, National and International charities were involved and 2012 is set to have more charities on board; including Albion in the Community, the NSPCC and Hope for Children.

The 52 year old Londoner is renowned for his spectacular set pieces and said that the corridor in Inception was a challenge.  As most of the action in the film takes place in the human mind, the special effects team had to build unique rigs that created the illusion of actors walking on walls, which defied the laws of physics.   “You’ve got the main actors in there shooting a fight sequence”, he says.  “One minute they’re walking on the floor, the next minute they’re at 90 degrees and the floor has become the side corridor with a four metre drop.”

The Corbould family enjoyed Theme-Works own special effects this Christmas with a ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ party, which took place in the film studios.  The theme is a popular choice for those looking to combine light-hearted fun with the magic of optical illusions.

The venues superb elevated ceilings lent itself beautifully to dramatic, colourful draping, with chair covers to match and a stunning light-up dancefloor the impact on arrival was electrifying.

A giant Wonka machine, scratch and sniff wallpaper, Wonka gates, giant candy canes, mushrooms and light up blossom trees added interest and delight as guest wandered the venue space seeking out delights.

Willy Wonka and a troupe of Oompa Loompas topped off the this fun and enchanting theme and entertained guests throughout the evening with songs, dance and comedy.

The Wonka Machine

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Our ‘Heroes and Villains’ theming combined dramatic props, including a life-sized Batman, colourful pop-art ‘KA-POW!’ signs,  a giant comic book and a Statue of Liberty prop which stood out against backdrops of the New York skyline, a starry sky and the American flag. Colourful lighting brought the props and backdrops to life and a polished black and white dance floor and LED globe light table centres completed this fun and impacting theme.

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To help we have been highly organised and created a useful Christmas To-Do List which you can download here. We suggest saving  a copy, and tick off tasks as you complete them.

This gorgeous sleeved body con from H&M brings a sprinkling of sparkle to the LBD, perfect for catching the attention of the cute guy in sales.

It’s still Summer with this gorgeous maxi-dress from Next, accessorize with sparkly sandals, a jewelled necklace and a sequinned bag for a glitzy Christmas feel.

This electric blue dress from Marks and Spencer is sure to make you stand out from the crowd, what’s more frills are so this season!

Be the office glamourpuss in this little sparkly number from French Connection, guaranteed to turn heads.

This December the iconic Brighton Corn Exchange will be transformed into a winter wonderland with draping, effect lighting, faux snow, snowmen and a giant polar bear amongst other props.

Guests are called to dinner, where you can look forward to a delicious three course meal, catered by the experts behind The Secret Restaurant.  Dinner is followed by freshly brewed coffee to finish.  Dig into the complimentary party packs with fun masks and glitter top hats and try the dinner quizzes which serve as great ice breakers.

Once guests have enjoyed their meal, there are bounds of attractions to enjoy at your shared Christmas party in Brighton, such as the the candy floss stall, miniature ice creams at the gelato bar and chocolate fountain.

For your chance to win tickets to this exciting event tune in to the Heart Breakfast Show in Sussex or click here to enter online.

Good Luck!

Click here to download the event brochure or call Office Christmas on 0845 6769755 to book your spaces today!

Theme-Works offers event production services for large-scale events. From Bar Mitzvahs to formal balls, corporate events and weddings. Whether you’re looking to add a little twist of fun and magic to your event or require a full production and event management service Theme-Works can help.

Click here to visit the brand new Theme-Works website!

With top tips for managers and staff  this guide is packed full of friendly advice that will ensure your Christmas party goes with a bang!

Click Here to download the Office Christmas Party Survival Guide

Don’t forget to forward the guide to friends and colleagues!

We love to hear your thoughts and feedback so leave a comment or send us an email to feedback@officechristmas.co.uk

To find out more about the event and see more pictures  read the story on the Event Mag News Blog.