+Event || After last year’s impressive performance from chart-topping R&B star Neyo, it was going to be hard to equal the calibre of entertainment at this year’s Summer Gala. But if anyone was going to do it, it was the Sheraton Algarve Hotel and Pine Cliffs Resort, and the 18th edition of the iconic annual event welcomed the British superstar and former X Factor winner Leona Lewis.
Well before the star of the night took the mic, the stage was set for what has become one of the most anticipated events on the Algarve’s summer calendar. Guaranteed to be an evening of unsurpassed glamour year after year, the 2014 Summer Gala took place on Friday, August 8, once again on the rolling lawns of the Pine Cliffs Golf Academy.
A welcome cocktail preceded the main event, complete with a Champagne bar, canapés, glamorous stilt-walkers and even the brand new BMW i8 which welcomed guests as they walked onto the red carpet.
With two dining options available – the Gold ticket, with extensive buffet, and the Platinum ticket, which included a set menu – headed by executive chef Osvalde Silva, diners got front-row seats to the show which kicked off shortly after 10.30pm.
With an energetic warm-up courtesy of the duo Sisters G, who performed amongst the tables, and a few words from the general manager of the Sheraton Algarve Hotel, James Munro, it was time for the guest of honour to take the stage.
A stripped-back concert, free from extravagant lighting effects, dancers and outfit changes, Leona Lewis did what she does best: let her voice shine.
Opening the show with Come Alive, the British star seems to have lost none of the modesty that best defined her during her X Factor days, and warmly – if somewhat timidly – interacted with the audience.
The second year the event has included concert-only tickets – both front-stage tickets and concert tickets –, fans were delighted by the singer’s strong, soulful vocals, showcased in hits such as Run, Bleeding Love, and her first ever single, A Moment Like This.
The beautiful star also performed covers of some of today’s biggest hits, supported by two impressive backing singers, and, having just been signed to the same record label as Bob Marley, paid tribute to the late icon with her version of Could This Be Love.
The customary fireworks at midnight marked the end of the show, as guests made their way to the after-party. Once again hosted by the resort’s Japanese restaurant Yakuza by Olivier, the party welcomed international DJ Kris Nicci, who was joined by Sisters G for a few tracks.
By CRISTINA ALCOCK
