In December 2025, the Bollinger Everyman Wodehouse Prize for Comic Fiction reached a major milestone, celebrating 25 years of championing the funniest novels published in the UK. To mark the occasion, Champagne Bollinger, long-standing sponsor of the prize, hosted a celebratory evening that honoured the spirit of P.G. Wodehouse and the writers who continue his legacy.
Datum was asked to support the event by creating a hero centrepiece, delivering branded bars, and filming the evening. The brief called for something bold, elegant and memorable. Crucially, while Bollinger was the brand client, the celebration was about the Wodehouse Prize’s 25th anniversary, not Bollinger’s. That distinction shaped every creative decision.
This blog explains how we approached the project, what we built, and why an integrated, end-to-end approach matters for high-profile events.
Understanding the brief
The event had several clear objectives:
- Celebrate 25 years of the Wodehouse Prize
- Reflect Bollinger’s luxury positioning without overpowering the occasion
- Create a visual focal point that would anchor the evening
- Ensure everything could be delivered, installed and captured seamlessly
From the outset, our role was to translate a cultural milestone into a physical experience, while maintaining the balance between sponsorship and celebration.
The hero installation: a giant advent calendar maison
At the heart of the evening was a giant advent calendar maison, inspired by the Champagne Bollinger house in France. Designed and built by Datum, it measured:
- 2500mm (H) x 1000mm (D) x 3254mm (W)
- Plus a new 300mm white plinth base
- Constructed across three levels
- Built in multiple sections and assembled on site
Each window featured a small plinth holding a previous Wodehouse Prize winner, turning the installation into both a display and a timeline of the prize’s history.
Key materials and features included:
- Foamex and acrylic construction
- Gold vinyl roof with subtle shading to add age and character
- Backlit windows and side panels with illuminated logos
- Removable and interchangeable shelves to accommodate different bottle sizes
- 3D-printed illuminated light elements
- Integrated electrics to bring the entire maison to life
Everything was designed with reusability in mind. The maison can be adapted for future retail campaigns and events, extending its value well beyond a single evening.
What is a “hero installation”?
A hero installation is the main visual anchor of an event. It is the element people photograph, gather around and remember afterwards.
In simple terms, it needs to:
- Tell the story at a glance
- Reflect the brand without dominating the message
- Work practically within the venue
- Look as good on camera as it does in person
For this event, the maison became the talk of the evening, drawing guests in and sparking conversation throughout the night.
Branded bars that complemented the centrepiece
Alongside the maison, Datum delivered a series of Bollinger-branded bars. These were designed to complement the hero installation, not compete with it.
Clean lines, premium finishes and subtle branding ensured the bars felt:
- Luxurious
- Purposeful
- Fully integrated into the wider event design
The result was a cohesive visual environment rather than a collection of disconnected elements.
Capturing the evening on film
The event itself was attended by well-known figures including Claudia Winkleman, Patrick Grant and Tatty Macleod.
The entire evening was captured by the Datum team, producing a showreel that brings together:
- The build and environment
- Guest reactions
- Key moments from the night
This film now serves as a lasting asset for Bollinger and demonstrates the value of thinking beyond the physical event itself.
Why end-to-end delivery matters
From our experience, events of this scale work best when one partner takes responsibility for the full journey.
At Datum, that means:
- Creative concept and design
- Technical planning and materials
- Build and installation
- On-site coordination
- Photography and filming
Because everything sits under one roof, we reduce risk, speed up decision-making and ensure the final result matches the original vision. This approach is central to how we work and is embedded throughout the Datum Playbook.
Step-by-step: how we delivered the project
1. Concept development
We explored how to visually represent 25 years of literary celebration while staying true to Bollinger’s heritage.
2. Detailed design and planning
Every measurement, material and fixing was specified early to avoid surprises on site.
3. Fabrication and testing
The maison was built in sections, allowing for controlled quality checks and easier transport.
4. On-site installation
The structure was assembled, electrics installed and lighting tested on location.
5. Event capture
Our filming team documented the space and the atmosphere as the event unfolded.
Audience takeaway: why work with Datum?
If you are planning an event, retail activation or brand moment, working with Datum gives you:
- A single partner from idea to delivery
- Clear communication and practical planning
- Designs that consider both aesthetics and logistics
- Installations built to last and be reused
- Content captured professionally for future use
In short, we help turn complex briefs into calm, confident delivery.
FAQs and quick answers
How long does it take to design and build a hero installation?
Typically, projects like this take 8–12 weeks from concept to installation, depending on complexity and approvals.
Can installations be reused?
Yes. We design with reusability in mind, reducing waste and improving long-term value.
Do you handle filming and photography as well?
Yes. We regularly capture events so clients leave with both the experience and the content.
What types of events do you support?
We work across awards, exhibitions, retail campaigns, corporate events and brand activations.
