A black and white portrait of a lion with the Footsteps to Freedom logo on the left side of the image
  • In Person
  • Footsteps to Freedom 2026

    • Date:
    • Time: 18:30 - 00:00
    • Location: Royal Lancaster London, W2 2TY
    • Admission fee: From £195
    Book Now

    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.

    Three ticket types are available to book:

    🐾 Lion: £4,000 table of 10

    🐾 Elephant: £2,900 table of 10

    🐾 Giraffe: £195 individual tickets or £1,950 for table of 10

    Please see the full ticketing information below for full details of what each ticket type includes.

    VIEW TICKET OPTIONS

     

    Three black and white images side-by-side: a lion, an elephant and a giraffe

    We will also be holding a silent auction, which anyone can bid on in the lead up to the event, whether you are attending or not – details to follow!

    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

    Joanna Lumley speaking on stage at Footsteps to Freedom 2025

    (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 room rate is also available for those wishing to stay overnight at the Royal Lancaster Hotel, although we advise checking prices on the website before clicking on the button below, as rates can vary.

    RESERVE YOUR HOTEL ROOM 

    JOIN US FOR THIS GLITTERING EVENT IN 2026!

    Footsteps to Freedom captures the very essence of what we strive to achieve at Born Free. Our mission: to keep wildlife in the wild. This event will be more than a treasured memory – it will represent a milestone on our journey of compassion, a journey that never ends.

    Dame Virginia McKenna DBE

    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.

    • Exclusive front row table
    • Meet and greet
    • Born Free goody bag per person
    • Upgraded drinks package
    • Can only be booked as a table of 10
    • Welcome reception with drink on arrival
    • Three course evening meal, coffee/tea and petit fours
    • Half bottle of wine per person as well as water
    • Live entertainment
    • Celebrity hosts
    • Live auction with auctioneer and Born Free Patron, James Lewis

    £4,000 for a table of 10 

    BOOK YOUR TICKETS

    • Central table location
    • Born Free gift
    • Can only be booked as a table of 10
    • Welcome reception with drink on arrival
    • Three course evening meal, coffee/tea and petit fours
    • Half bottle of wine per person as well as water
    • Live entertainment
    • Celebrity host
    • Live auction with auctioneer and Born Free Patron, James Lewis

    £2,900 for a table of 10 

    BOOK YOUR TICKETS

    Can be booked individually or as a table of 10 

    • Welcome reception with drink on arrival
    • Three course evening meal, coffee/tea and petit fours
    • Half bottle of wine per person as well as water
    • Live entertainment
    • Celebrity host
    • Live auction with auctioneer and Born Free Patron, James Lewis

    £1,950 for a table of 10, or £195 for individual tickets 

    BOOK YOUR TICKETS

    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.

    Image credits (c) PA / Matt Crossick, Thomas Zbinden from PixabayFelix from Pixabay