During every recession, there are Academy Awards ceremonies, Brits awards, BAFTAs, company Christmas parties, gadgets (eg. iPads this Friday) to buy, new cars being sold, house prices increase and countries (ie. the UK) will spend millions/billions celebrating a certain diamond jubilee and hosting a certain sporting event.
Basically, a recession doesn't mean that everything stops dead.
Imagine if the Camerons went over to Washington, and the President and First Lady took them to MacDonalds and then bowling.
THAT would be news - not a gala dinner.