Chequeredflagball Blog

We are delighted to announce that British television personality Kirsty Gallacher has been confirmed as the host of this year’s red-carpet Grand Prix event, the Chequered Flag Ball, taking place at the The St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort on November 11.

Kirsty will host the evening along with local television and radio personality Tom Urquart.

As the daughter of Scottish former Ryder Cup captain, Bernard Gallacher, Kirsty has lived a life in the sporting spotlight. Beginning her presenting career on Sky Sports News before going to host her own shows both on television and on the radio – including Gladiators and Kirsty’s Home Videos.

Speaking ahead of her visit to the UAE capital, Kirsty said: “I love the F1 and Yas Marina is a great track in a city we hear more and more about.”

“The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix should be a great race weekend as ever, and starting your weekend with a night of fabulous entertainment in the company of some highly distinguished guests at the Chequered Flag Ball is quite special.”

British soul singer Mica Paris and former Jordan Grand Prix team owner Eddie Jordan will dazzle guests at this year’s Chequered Flag Ball –the glittering red carpet event that kicks off the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend.

The elegant black-tie ball, now in its third year, will take place at the soon-to-be-opened St Regis Hotel Saadiyat Island Resort, and promises to welcome a host of top celebrities from the worlds of film, music, sport and fashion.

Urban Events today announced award winner Paris will headline the event, while Jordan – now a drummer in the rock band Eddie & the Robbers – is back by popular demand as the high octane support act.

Paris has enjoyed a 20-year career in music following her 1988 UK top ten platinum-selling debut album ‘So Good’, which included lead single ‘My One Temptation’.  More recently Paris enjoyed numerous sell-outs on her 2009 album tour ‘Born Again’, and is currently working on a new album.

Jordan, who hosted the 2010 Chequered Flag Ball, is best known as the founder and owner of Jordan Grand Prix – the Formula One team that operated from 1991 to 2005 and with whom Michael Schumacher made his F1 debut, and more recently as an F1 TV analyst.

Paris said: “I’m so excited about coming back out to the UAE to perform. It’s such an incredible place and one that I’d travel to at the drop of a hat.”

“The Chequered Flag Ball is a really unique event where celebrities and non-celebrities mix in a celebration of motorsport and this year it promises to be a truly exceptional evening.

“Guests can look forward to a uniquely intimate atmosphere, making for an incomparable night of star-studded entertainment. I can’t wait.”

Eddie Jordan echoed Paris’s thoughts, saying he is hugely excited about the Abu Dhabi race weekend, beginning with the Chequered Flag Ball.

He said: “It’s great to be coming back out for the Chequered Flag Ball.

“Yas Marina Circuit does a spectacular job of hosting the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and this year Eddie & The Robbers are going to help kick things off with some proper rock and roll.”

Tickets are now available for the Chequered Flag Ball, the only way to start your Grand Prix  weekend.