South: Paris Smith LLP celebrates 200th anniversary in style with Guildhall Gala Dinner

Paris Smith LLP celebrated its 200^th anniversary recently with fine dining and a musical masterclass of live performances spanning two centuries at the O2 Guildhall in Southampton.

With offices in Southampton and Winchester, the evening of celebrations was hosted by Senior Partner Nick Vaughan, Managing Partner Peter Taylor, and actor and co-founder of the firm’s charity partner of the year The Murray Parish Trust, Sarah Parish.

Paris Smith Partners, The Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire, civic leaders, regional leaders from the media, the world of business, arts, education and charities along with other guests, dined on a four-course banquet which featured a champagne and elderflower ice sorbet, guinea fowl and a trio of old English desserts provided by local caterers Vanilla.

Guests were treated to a journey through the history of Paris Smith which was accompanied by a musical masterclass which featured acapellas ‘Company of Singers’ performing music from the nineteenth century kicking off the entertainment for everyone on arrival.  ‘The Hampshire Police Male Voice Choir’ performed a medley of musical theatre hits, ‘Junco Shakers’ brought the twenties alive, ‘The Silver Beatles’ took guests through the swinging sixties after dinner and ‘Folk Junkies’ covered some of today’s most iconic hits.

Jewellers Laings kindly donated a 0.40 Carat diamond with £2,500 in aid of Paris Smith’s charity partners where all guests had the opportunity to donate to be in with a chance of taking the sparkler home. 

Managing Partner Peter Taylor said: “It has truly been a remarkable evening of celebration for the firm and I thank everyone who played a part in making it such a success, from the entertainment to the food and beyond.  It has been a privilege to share the history of Paris Smith, a chance to thank all who have worked with us and an opportunity to share all that is great about our region..”

For more information on Paris Smith LLP and its 200^th anniversary visit www.parissmith.co.uk