On this day in 1999, the whole world was in preparation, some for the threat of the Y2K glitch, but most for the promises of the coming millennium. That Dec. 29 saw the readying of celebrations that would take place around the globe in just two days time. But, in London, a problem was encountered.
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A New Year’s Eve concert, set to welcome in 2000, was arranged to take place on the grounds of the Royal Greenwich Observatory and the National Maritime Museum, located in Greenwich Royal Park. The night was scheduled to see performances from Simply Red, former Roxy Music frontman Bryan Ferry, the London Symphony Orchestra, as well as one of the first appearances of the Eurythmics since their near-10-year hiatus.
When the event was announced, Mick Hucknall of Simply Red was reported as saying, “This is going to be a truly historic event and Greenwich is the ultimate venue.” And it was for a number of reasons.
To pull off such an extravaganza meant broadcasting, lighting, sound, and more would need to be top-notch. However, organizers were not permitted to dig up the grounds of the Royal Park to lay the appropriate wiring, and forcing cables through the tunnels under the stage proved an impossible feat. So a team of highly trained, specially equipped, and incredibly cute “electricians” were enlisted to take on the arduous task of saving the day.
According to BBC News, three ferrets—named Beckham, Posh, and Baby—on loan from the National Ferret Association were hired to lay cables along the tunnels under the event’s stage. The ferrets, fashioned with tiny nylon harnesses, were able to guide the cables, snaking them through the proper ducts and channels while being encouraged along by pieces of meat at the other ends.
A night celebrating new beginnings and endless possibilities was made possible thanks to three ferrets with Spice Girl-inspired names. Watch the Eurythmics perform during the night, below.
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