Footsteps to Freedom 2026

FOOTSTEPS TO FREEDOM BALL

42 years of action for wild animals 

Following on from the success of 2025’s inspirational Footsteps to Freedom Ball, we are delighted to announce that our exclusive, black-tie gala will be returning once again to the Royal Lancaster London on Thursday 19th March 2026. An array of distinguished guests and friends will be in attendance, details will be revealed soon, but these include several well-known and loved eminent public figures, who are also long-term, loyal Born Free Patrons.

EVENT TICKETS HAVE NOW SOLD OUT, BUT OUR AUCTION IS OPEN!

With a glorious mix of unique items and special experiences, our Footsteps to Freedom Auction has incredible lots on offer… And everyone can get involved – even if you are not attending on the night!

VIEW AND BID ON OUR AUCTION LOTS

The evening will include:

A Warm Welcome: A welcome aperitif upon arrival and a warm, personal welcome from Will Travers OBE, the Born Free team and our Patrons, as you and other guests mingle in the beautiful surroundings of The Royal Lancaster

Dinner: Three courses of vegetarian or vegan fine dining, including wine, with coffee and petit fours to finish

(c) Matt Crossick / PA Media Assignments

Inspiration & Entertainment: Incredible live performances, inspirational guest speakers, and stories of courage and tenacity make for an unforgettable atmosphere

Live Auction: Bid for exclusive items and unrepeatable experiences, with all proceeds going directly to our charity

Silent Auction: Discover unique and treasured items that could be yours

Dancing: Conclude the night on the dance floor with our live band

*Please note we will not be printing tickets. PDFs of your tickets will be sent to you when you purchase them online and your names will be added to our guest list. 

Footsteps to Freedom has a minimum age limit of 18, as prescribed by the venue.

A special discounted room rate is available for guests wishing to stay at luxury boutique hotel, Roseate House London, which is just a short walk from Hyde Park. To book, click on the link below and select your dates and room type, then apply code: FTFBALL26 when prompted. Alternatively, book directly with the team by emailing: [email protected]

RESERVE A ROOM AT ROSEATE HOUSE

Huge thanks to our event sponsors, Crew à la Mode.

The apparel & lifestyle agency.

Full ticketing information

Three types of ticket are available for the event: Lion, Elephant and Giraffe. Lion and Elephant tickets will only be bookable as full tables of 10; Giraffe tickets can be booked as a table of 10, or as individual tickets. We encourage booking your tickets early to avoid disappointment.

Please see below for full details of each ticket type.

Book Your Ticket Now

Please use the booking link below to guarantee your place at Footsteps to Freedom 2026.

When booking, you will be asked to choose your ticket type: Lion, Elephant or Giraffe. Lion and Elephant tickets can only be booked as tables of 10; Giraffe tickets can be booked individually in any quantity.

After you have selected the tickets you wish to purchase, you will be asked to enter the details of the attendees for every ticket. If you do not yet know which guests will be joining you, please fill out your own name for these tickets so none are left blank.

You can contact [email protected] closer to the time to confirm details of your guests.

Refunds: Unfortunately, no refunds are possible 8 weeks prior to the event although every effort will be made to resell your tickets. Prior to 8 weeks to the event a 50% refund can be given.

With thanks to everyone who generously donated to our auction, silent auction, raffle and gift tree:

Adey Hailu, Alessia Russo, Altamura Distilleries, Amrutha Lounge, London, Animal Friends Insurance, Anna Louise, Annie Maudlingm, Bamford, Bird & BlendTea Co, Black Country Metal Works, Bluebell Railway, BRAX Foundation, Carol Barrett Wildlife Artist, Cathy Fish, Cellar Door Wiston Estate, Chef Ashley Palmer Watts, Chewton Glen, Chris Packham, Chris Wright Wildlife Art, Dame Joanna Lumley, Dame Virginia McKenna, Dave White, David Lloyd Photographer, Deer Park Wine (Caron Steele), Dora Larsen, Eckington Manor, Ed Winters, Elewana Collection, Esther Vince, Fondazione Animanatura ETS, Gary Hodges Wildlife Art, Globe Theatre, Goodwood Estate, Goodword Arts Foundation, Heidi Mary Porter, Hiver Beer, James Vaulkhard Art, Jane Lee McCracken, Jill Liebscher, Jim Moir Art, Juice, Kenwright Ltd Productions, Kerry Ellis, KIN, London, Kinsbrook Vineyard, Kirsty Gallacher, Lauren St John, Lynne Chitty, Margo Brault Wildlife Art, Michaela Strachan, Michelin UK, Nuchu, On A Wick & A Prayer, OrcaLab, Pangea, Patrick Mavros African Jewellery, Photographic Synergy, Pif @finepencilart, Quilon, Rachel Vosper Candles, Ricky Gervais, Rosabelle Wildlife Art, Shamwari Private Game Reserve, Slaters Menswear, Sophie Green Art, Star Editions, Studio Gauthier, The Chocolatier, The Drone Safe Store, The Ned, The Ouze Jeweller, The Royal Lancaster, Tom’s Trunks, Tracey Greaves, Vegan Outfitters, Vintage Roots, Votch, Wasserman Live, Wentworth Wooden Puzzles, Wild Cosmetics, Will Travers OBE, Yoga Retreats and More.

Image credits (c) PA / Matt Crossick, David M. Benett, Thomas Zbinden from Pixabay, Felix from Pixabay