10 things you don't know about the Capital Jingle Bell Ball 2016

Capital Radio will kick off the festive season with their annual musical extravaganza
Christmas party: Little Mix are among the acts
Kevin Winter/Getty Images
Emma Powell3 December 2016
The Weekender

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Little Mix, Ellie Goulding and Calvin Harris will get fans into the festive spirit when they storm the stage at the Capital Jingle Bell Ball this weekend.

The artists will perform for more than 30,000 fans at London’s O2 Arena for one of the capital's biggest Christmas concerts.

The two-day musical extravaganza will also play host to Craig David, Shawn Mendes, Louisa Johnson and Martin Garrix among others.

So with only a few hours until kick off, here's everything you never knew about the Jingle Bell Ball:

Big name: Ellie Goulding will perform at London's O2 Arena
Theo Wargo/Getty

1. Since 2008, artists with 11 different nationalities, including Colombian, Australian, Spanish, Canadian, American, French and Danish have performed at the event.

2. The artists on this year’s bill have spent a combined 58 weeks at number one in the Vodafone Big Top 40, with a total of 26 chart-topping singles between them.

3. The strangest dressing room requests so far this year include; a thick fluffy rug, four packs of Pokemon cards and sheepskin slippers.

4. 50 miles of cabling will power the ball - the equivalent distance from The O2 Arena to Brighton - and 800 people will be working behind the scenes – the capacity of two Boeing 747 aeroplanes.

5. Artists and presenters will receive an exclusive gift bag containing a Micro Scooter, a selfie microphone, handmade chocolate Brussel sprouts, and personalised bottles from Coca-Cola carrying each artist’s name, customised with Swarovski crystals. They will also be treated to hot stone massages and mini facials in the VIP Green Room backstage.

6. When Olly Murs appeared at Capital’s Jingle Bell Ball in 2014, his friend – who had come along to watch his performance - ended up meeting his future wife in the audience. They’re getting married next year!

7. 165 stylists, hair and make-up artists will be on hand to make sure performers are looking their best - the equivalent of 15 football teams.

8. This year, there will be 80 different shades of foundation, 250 eyeshadow colours and 100 contour kits to get the artists and presenters’ faces stage ready.

9. Nearly 2 million pieces of confetti will be released into the crowd over the weekend.

10. After this year’s Capital’s Jingle Bell Ball the total attendance stands at more than a quarter of a million, the equivalent of almost 3000 London buses full of people.

Little Mix - In pictures

The BRIT Awards 2021 - VIP Arrivals
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