Leading names from the past and present have teamed up to help Spain’s world-famous La Manga Club resort celebrate its 45th anniversary in style in London.

The likes of former British tennis star Jo Durie and ex-Arsenal and Republic of Ireland defender Terry Mancini joined other guests from the sporting world for the event.

They were joined by key figures from the UK travel industry and national media for the resort’s Theatre of Dreams evening at the Cervantes Theatre in Southwark.

Hosted by La Manga Club general manager José Asenjo and the resort’s non-executive chairman PY Gerbeau, the event – which was compered by BBC television presenter Georgina Burnett – offered guests the chance to not only celebrate the award-winning venue’s historic past, but also learn more about its plans for the future via a new ten-minute resort video shown on the big screen.

Entertainment was provided by acclaimed Spanish guitarist Maria Camahort, and to give the evening an added Spanish flavour, the invited audience was treated to a mouth-watering selection of traditional Spanish dishes and refreshments.

“This year is a landmark year in the history of La Manga Club and we wanted to do something special to celebrate it,” Asenjo told guests.

“Right from the very beginning, La Manga Club has been at the forefront of sports and leisure resorts across the continent, and it’s a pleasure for us to be able to welcome people from all walks of life and of all ages.

“The resort is unique in so many ways, it has enjoyed an amazing past and we want to create a new history over the next 45 years to ensure that we maintain a position at the very top.”

Guests learn more about La Manga Club and plans for the future

Set in an area three times the size of Monaco and just a 20-minute drive from Murcia airport, La Manga Club’s outstanding facilities include three 18-hole golf courses and newly rebranded Golf Training Centre, a 28-court tennis centre, a new European Cricket Performance Centre – the first of its kind – and eight full-size FIFA-approved football pitches.

In addition, the resort offers a wide selection of sports academies for boys and girls of all ages including golf, tennis, football, cricket, rugby and athletics, while its array of other outstanding sports and leisure amenities, bars and restaurants have helped establish it as a firm favourite with active travellers.

Later this year the luxury resort will host the World Golf Awards for the first time.