Swiss on a roll

This was a diplomatic reception with a difference – a garage rave in the subterranean carpark of the Swiss Ambassador’s residence with footballers, street dancing, Hip Hop and some of the most sought-after graffiti art in Britain as a backdrop – not to mention Ambassador Alexis Lautenberg’s siren-red trousers.

The occasion? The launch of Your Game 2008, a social inclusion project run by the BBC and the Football Foundation.

The scheme involves youngsters from deprived communities who participate in a festival of football around Britain at the end of which, the Your Game All Stars – young people who have made an exceptional contribution to their communities – will be invited to the Euro 2008 football championships held in Switzerland and Austria.

Guests included huggable hoodies and a few “suits”, such as Arsenal football star Philippe Senderos, BBC chairman Sir Michael Lyons and Olympics Minister Tessa Jowell. All were thrilled by Residence’s hidden treasure: the garage walls are covered in graffiti, including works by the highly prized and elusive Banksy.

Philippe Senderos and Ambassador Lautenberg in front of a work by Banksy