Three dragons, robes & an 11ft throne made out of willow..

IT will go down in history as one of the most extravagant A-list bashes ever hosted in Belfast.

Three enormous dragons hovered overhead and an 11-foot tall willow throne was elevated six feet in the air, creating a spectacular centrepiece for a sight – and a night – to remember.

The man behind the magnificence, legendary

HBO event designer Billy Butchkavitz, had spent months planning it.

He said: “The theme for the Belfast party was earthy. It was all inspired by the willow of the dragons and the throne that were made in Cultra by an artist from Northern Ireland, Bob Johnston, and it became all about the nature and the spectacular beauty Northern Ireland brought to Game of Thrones.

“The premiere in New York was themed on the blood and fire of the series but Belfast had to be different. I loved working on it.”

Billy, based in Pasadena, California, has designed some of the world’s biggest parties in his 25-year association with HBO.

PROPS

And with everything from the Emmys and the Golden Globes to some of the world’s biggest premieres under his belt, last night’s event, hosted by Sky and NI Screen at ICC Belfast, was in safe hands.

Bringing the star touch to the city, Billy and his team of 10 party planners shipped 70 enormous cases of props and decor to the city from right around the world over the past few weeks.

They sent elaborate, flowing Indian-made robes for the 70 waiting staff. They shipped lifesized paper costumes in huge refrigerator boxes.

Billy added: “The plan was to give the whole place a neutral tone with huge ivory draping over the ceiling and the walls.

“It was to create this stunning backdrop for the lighting, a gorgeous effect of hundreds of candles, soft amber and chocolate tones to look like there was moonlight coming through the trees with old-school gobos making beautiful patterns around the room.

“We wanted the guests to come and party hard, to get up on the dancefloor and have a blast.”