A Night in the Desert for the Royal Flying Doctor Service Gala 2022
Felix&Friends orchestrated the visual identity and event design for the Royal Flying Doctor Service's 2022 London Gala, which raised over £84,000 for the Australian medical aviation charity. The evening represented a notable departure from the agency's characteristic refinement, embracing instead the exuberant spirit required by the occasion with an evening of theatrical entertainment in central London.
Drawing inspiration from The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, the design scheme referenced both the vastness of the Australian outback and the flamboyant drag aesthetic of the cult film. This thematic choice connected two classic Australian icons - the RFDS and Priscilla - to create a high camp and playful event whilst still connecting to the charity's mission delivering emergency medical services across remote Australian territories.
Visual Identity for Event
Felix&Friends developed a complete visual language characterised by glitter, sparkle and unapologetically camp. The approach marked a deliberate contrast to the studio's portfolio of luxury work, demonstrating range whilst maintaining sophistication in execution. Event collateral, environmental graphics and promotional materials unified under a playful yet purposeful design message.
Guests attended the gala in support of RFDS operations, which provide essential aeromedical services across 7.69 million square kilometres of Australian landscape. The evening featured both live and silent auctions alongside entertainment from Nick Hardcastle and an ensemble of performers, creating an atmosphere befitting the theme whilst maintaining focus on the fundraising objective.
Corporate Partnership
The event attracted support from corporate partners including Etihad Airways and Moss Wood, with Felix&Friends' contribution extending beyond visual identity to encompass the complete experiential design. The £84,000 raised represents significant support for an organisation that conducts an emergency response every eight minutes across one of the world's most challenging operational environments.
Felix&Friends' work on 'A Night in the Desert' demonstrates the agency's capacity to adapt its design sensibility to diverse charitable and cultural contexts whilst delivering commercially effective outcomes.
Our Journal
View AllFelix&Friends creates event design and brand identities for distinguished charitable organisations across the UK and internationally. Our ongoing collaboration with the Royal Flying Doctor Service (Friends in the UK) demonstrates our commitment to supporting vital humanitarian organisations through sophisticated event design and comprehensive sponsorship. The 90th Anniversary Gala in 2018 raised £175,000 for essential medical services across remote Australia.
Felix&Friends creates brand identities and event design for distinguished charitable organisations across the UK and internationally. Our long-standing support for the Royal Flying Doctor Service (Friends in the UK) led to an invitation to Clarence House on 7 September 2016, where His Majesty King Charles III (then His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales) hosted a small gathering for UK supporters of this iconic Australian organisation.