Lights to go out on Hanger Ball - 26th March 2008

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Richard Branson and Catriona Rowntree at last year's Virgin Blue Charity Hangar Ball.

Earth Hour will be celebrated with a mammoth candle-lit feast as budget airline Virgin Blue pledges to shut off the lights at its inaugural Charity Hangar Ball on March 29.

From 8pm, hosts Sir Richard Branson, Premier Anna Bligh and Virgin Blue co-founder and CEO Brett Godfrey will switch off the lights for Earth Hour along with millions of people in some of the world's major capital cities.

More than 3500 guests, staff, musicians, dancers and performers, including songstress Marcia Hines and her band, Evermore, Maske and Rogue Traders, will look forward to participating in what could be Australia's largest candlelight dinner.

"The decision was easy, but not so the logistical challenge," Mr Godfrey said of the event, hinting that "special arrangements" would be revealed on the night.

He also said the airline would ensure the glittering ball would be carbon neutral.

"We are a participating company and it is a unique opportunity to underline the meaning of Earth Hour in a very meaningful way," he said.

"Funds raised from our Hangar Ball go to many worthwhile causes and in 2008 our support is pledged to projects nominated by our team members under the theme of Indigenous Peoples, Natural Environment."

Even without the added requirements for Earth Hour, staging the epic event includes complex logistics to transform the Pinkenbah hangar from a venue designed to hold aircraft, into a ballroom for 3000 Guests.

With no kitchens on site, tons of equipment must be trucked in, including ovens, cold rooms, chairs and tables, crockery, cutlery and glassware to enable preparation and service of a menu created by Brett's Wharf Executive Chef, Alastair McLeod.

Construction of the dance floor, audio visual wall, lighting, staging and bathrooms will take place over three days.

Guests at the Hangar Ball will be entertained by a line up of celebrity entertainers and have the chance to bid at auction for incredible items and 'money can't usually buy' experiences that include a weeks stay at Sir Richard Branson's private game park in Africa.

Visit http://www.virginblue.com.au/hangarball for more information.

Richard Branson (Virgin Group) and Greg Tingle (Media Man Australia)