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With Funsho Arogundade
Lagos came alive on Sunday May 3 as Heineken delivered a bold, high-energy showcase at ‘A Day With Thibaut’, a premium social atmosphere activation of the Heineken House Experience hosted by Mr Thibaut Boidin, the MD/CEO of Nigerian Breweries Plc. Hosted at the iconic Ilubirin Way, Lagos, the experience marked the start of a multi-day activation designed to bring fans together through sport, music, and immersive premium experiences.
The day opened with the unveiling of the groundbreaking Hot Air Balloon by Thibaut. As early as six on that Sunday morning, some guests were aboard an exclusive first flight of the Heineken Hot Air Balloon —rising above the Ikoyi skyline as the sun came up over the city, with the city below slowly coming to life. The unveiling signalled the start of a unique fan journey timed to coincide with the high-stakes semi-final stage of the UEFA Champions League and F1 Miami Grand Prix.
In his welcome address, Thibaut highlighted the scale and ambition behind the multi-sensory experience, spotlighting the unprecedented nature of the hot air balloon activation, the Formula 1 moments, and the UEFA Champions League semi-finals, all designed to showcase Heineken’s commitment to championing memorable, premium fan experiences.
The main event of the whole experience was later held in the evening inside a massive elegant marquee which drew key stakeholders from Nigerian Breweries Plc, as well as esteemed guests, influencers, media executives and loyal fans. Hosted by Darey Art Alade, the night began with a stirring orchestral performance, followed by an in-depth overview of the experience from the Corporate Affairs Director at Nigerian Breweries Plc, Uzo Odenigbo.
There was an electrifying performance by the Awanjo dancers, followed by a standout comedy set from Ayo ‘AY’ Makun whose performance filled the room with laughter. The LOUD Urban Choir kept the momentum going with a powerful musical set that had guests on their feet.
At the heart of the evening was a live screening of the Formula 1 Grand Prix, where fans and enthusiasts gathered to witness the adrenaline-fuelled race. Guests enjoyed chilled drinks and curated dishes while connecting over the thrill of the sport in a vibrant, high-energy atmosphere.
The excitement reached new heights when Johnny Drille took the stage, delivering a captivating performance of his biggest hits. His soulful set created one of the night’s defining moments, elevating the energy in a way only a Heineken experience can.
The evening closed on a high note as Darey returned to the stage for a memorable performance, followed by closing remarks from Sarah Agha, the Marketing Director of Nigerian Breweries Plc., who thanked guests for an unforgettable celebration of premium entertainment. DJ Deluxe, on the decks, later took over and the night ended on an electrifying high.
Following the successful debut on Sunday, the experience later continued with the UCL matches on Tuesday May 5 and Wednesday May 6 while the final day of the experience will be today Saturday May 9 at the same Ilubirin.
