The Princess Royal was entertained by a galaxy of stars as she attended the 99th Royal Variety Performance. Carrying a posy of white and pink carnations, Anne walked down the red carpet on arrival wearing a fascinator, black gloves and elegant black gown, studded with a sparkling silver pattern. The guest of honour also wore a fur shrug over her shoulders for the event at a chilly Salford Quays, Greater Manchester. The gala evening at The Lowry Theatre opened with a drumming spectacular, involving the Dhol Foundation, a team of Asian drummers based in west London, and Royal Marines, before host Peter Kay entered the stage. "Welcome to the 99th Royal Variety Performance," he said, "The greatest variety show in the world." Peter, from nearby Bolton, said it was his second time hosting the show after steering the event in Blackpool in 2009. "If it gets any closer to Bolton I'll be doing it from my Mum's bungalow!" he quipped. Peter then introduced the first of a stellar line-up of guests, joking to the audience: "Who do you want first? A dog act, a yodelling plate spinner or international award winning pop star?" before welcoming "Salford's very own" Cee Lo Green. The American singer songwriter performed his new single, Anyway, followed by British pop star Pixie Lott who sang her number one hit single, All About Tonight. Between acts Kay playfully poked fun at the royals and complained about modern technology and problems working electrical equipment, before adding that the TV in his bedroom had been on standby "longer than Prince Charles". "I didn't write that!" he added to laughter.
