As Hennigan explains: "The intention of the evening is to bring together everyone at least once a year for a sociable drinking evening - meet the faces behind the voices and the e-mails and swap an anecdote or two, with the emphasis being on fun and sociability rather than business at the end of a busy trading year."
At its conception there was a small gathering of 20 people at the then Flyman and Firkin (now O'Neills) on Shaftesbury Avenue, but each year has seen the word spread further and this year saw over 130 people party away until the early hours (and yes it was mid-week!) in its stylish new environment of the Players Theatre Bar.
"Such is the success of the Christmas events," continues Hornsby, "that we have also set up a Summer (Ho Ho) Drinks to carry on the socialising! We aim to tell as many people as possible and we always have a good turn out of around 100 people or more, with a good proportion of the lighting industry present from all corners!"
In addition to the twice-yearly gatherings, the Ho Ho now has its own website, complete with photographic evidence and chat forum, covering topics from technical advice, alcohol and, not surprisingly, support!
(Lee Baldock)
