Celebrating Outstanding Young Islanders

Gef’s 30 Under 30 campaign reached its epic conclusion this month as we took to the rooftops (not literally, health and safety wouldn’t allow it) to shout about our island’s future leaders.

However, with a rooftop choir ruled out, it left us thinking, how do you celebrate the incredible and inspiring work of some truly amazing young people?

Well, it turns out that you start by booking a church, bringing in award-winning cocktail makers, brilliant caterers, hiring some amazing entertainment, a six foot mongoose and making it a pure celebration of exceptional talent.

Hosted by the ever-charming Jack Divers, our party, held in the stunning St Matthew’s Church on Douglas’ North Quay, brought together our partners, judges and VIPs with our now iconic 30 Under 30 winners.

Guests and winners were welcomed by flamboyant- ly-styled stilt walkers and interactive mirror men, who turned more than a few heads along the Quay that evening.

We kicked off the party with a performance featuring campaign and partner branding, which, to use a well worn phrase, really had to be seen to be believed.

After a quick welcome from Media Isle of Man’s very own Sam Jones and 30 Under 30 Headline Partner Jade Zorab, Managing Director of Amber Gaming, Jack welcomed our winners and partners to the stage to present their exquisite (and environmentally-friendly) trophies made with sustainably sourced wood and recycled plastic.

As with every party, it is good to pull a surprise out of the hat and Jade and Amber did just that as she announced our four Gamechangers.

The awards closed with a speech from Enterprise Minister Tim Johnston on behalf of Event Partner Department for Enter- prise, who praised the work of all of our winners and their impor- tance to our island’s future.

With the party in full swing, the DJ and ELS set the vibe into the evening, with Kiki’s and 14North providing the tasty cocktails and mouth-watering nibbles.

The fun and informal setting provided the perfect opportu- nity for winners and guests to get to know each other, while taking pictures with friends and, yes, Gef the Mongoose, who was joined in the hall by the ever-popular stilt walkers and mirror men.

See our gallery from our Winners Party here.