Take a look behind the scenes at the EDP Business Awards 2017

Behind the scenes during the preparations for the EDP Business Awards 2017. Picture: Sonya Duncan . (Image: ARCHANT EASTERN DAILY PRESS (01603) 772434)

A year's planning comes together tonight at the Norfolk Showground Arena, when the best of our county's business talent will be recognised in categories ranging from Tech Innovator to Customer Care.

But before the cork pops on the first bottle of champagne tonight, a team of dozens of people will have played their part over a set build which began four days ago.

Norwich-based event managers PSE have had a 23-strong team on site to install the 3.2km of mains, data, video and sound cabling.

Those cables will connect 16 video screens, 24 moving-head LED light and 46 static LED lights. The team use 10 two-ton electric self-climbing motor hoists, each capable of lifting 12 tons.

Behind the scenes during the preparations for the EDP Business Awards 2017. Picture: Sonya Duncan . (Image: ARCHANT EASTERN DAILY PRESS (01603) 772434)

It all adds up to a package of £120,000 worth of staging, tabbing and lifting equipment.

Meanwhile, those in the kitchens have been working just as hard.

Ahead of tonight's event, the team at Julie Abbs Catering have been working their way through mountains of produce so that the 400-plus guests can enjoy a three-course dinner this evening.

They have prepared 220 ducks, peeled and chopped 60 heads of celeriac, and eight full sacks – or 100kg – of carrots.

Behind the scenes during the preparations for the EDP Business Awards 2017. Picture: Sonya Duncan . (Image: ARCHANT EASTERN DAILY PRESS (01603) 772434)

And it doesn't stop there: each of the 1,760 glasses and 1,760 plates they have brought to the Showground will need to be washed and repacked before the night is out.

Guests can look forward to a glass or two of fizz from the 150-plus bottles of wine supplied for the event by Adnams, as well as 90 bottles of sparkling wine.

Behind the scenes during the preparations for the EDP Business Awards 2017. Picture: Sonya Duncan . (Image: ARCHANT EASTERN DAILY PRESS (01603) 772434)

Behind the scenes during the preparations for the EDP Business Awards 2017. Picture: Sonya Duncan . (Image: ARCHANT EASTERN DAILY PRESS (01603) 772434)

Behind the scenes during the preparations for the EDP Business Awards 2017. Picture: Sonya Duncan . (Image: ARCHANT EASTERN DAILY PRESS (01603) 772434)

Behind the scenes during the preparations for the EDP Business Awards 2017. Picture: Sonya Duncan . (Image: ARCHANT EASTERN DAILY PRESS (01603) 772434)

Behind the scenes during the preparations for the EDP Business Awards 2017. Picture: Sonya Duncan . (Image: ARCHANT EASTERN DAILY PRESS (01603) 772434)

Behind the scenes during the preparations for the EDP Business Awards 2017. Picture: Sonya Duncan . (Image: ARCHANT EASTERN DAILY PRESS (01603) 772434)

Behind the scenes during the preparations for the EDP Business Awards 2017. Picture: Sonya Duncan . (Image: ARCHANT EASTERN DAILY PRESS (01603) 772434)

Behind the scenes during the preparations for the EDP Business Awards 2017. Picture: Sonya Duncan . (Image: ARCHANT EASTERN DAILY PRESS (01603) 772434)

Behind the scenes during the preparations for the EDP Business Awards 2017. Picture: Sonya Duncan . (Image: ARCHANT EASTERN DAILY PRESS (01603) 772434)