EMPLOYEES of one of satellite television’s biggest companies are again preparing for a weekend of fun as a reward for all their hard work.
After work tonight (Friday) the staff at Sky’s headquarters in Grant Way, Osterley, will head to the nearby playing fields of Grasshoppers Rugby Club for the start of Sky Show.
This renamed event, which used to be called Skyfest, is held annually as a way to thank the thousands of workers from all aspects of the corporation for their efforts over the past year.
The centre piece of the celebrations is a giant blue tent - reported to be one of the largest in Europe - which is so vast it is clearly visible to commuters on the M4 and even from the windows of distant Piccadilly Line tube trains.
While previous years have seen various activites including a funfair, free food and drink and musical entertainment all going on at the same time, this time the format has changed.
A spokeswoman said: “Sky Show will feature a sit down show in the tent (which has a capacity of around 4,600) followed by music and dancing afterwards.
“Little Britain star David Walliams and DJ Alex Zane will handle the MC’ing duties and acts taking to the stage include stand up star Jack Whitehall, circus act Cirque Berzerk and dancer Lukas McFarlane.”
Tomorrow (Saturday) is traditionally when employees get to treat their families to some fun and games at the same venue.
Activities on the cards this year include Disney providing Mickey’s Magical Gallery and the Nick Jr channel running the pop musical extravaganza Go Go Go.
Last year’s Skyfest was a massive hit with headline act Example raising the roof of the tent with his energetic songs and dance routines.
