Events

Past Events

FOOTSTEPS TO FREEDOM BALL 2025

(c) PA / Matt Crossick

On Thursday 20th March 2024, we celebrated our 41st anniversary with a magnificent, star-studded fundraising gala, at the Royal Lancaster London. Footsteps to Freedom, symbolising the path we have already trodden, and the many steps we still have to take in our fight for the welfare and conservation of wild animals, truly epitomised all that is wonderful about our charity and the work we do.

300 guests, both familiar faces and supporters new to Born Free, attended the ball, hosted by Patrons Gaby Roslin and Nicky Campbell OBE. Special guests included our Founder Patron Dame Joanna Lumley, plus Chris Packham CBE, Lily Travers and Gary Hodges, and the evening had many highlights, not least an astounding performance by London’s The Lion King, which captivated the audience.

Patron and celebrity auctioneer, James Lewis, read a personal message from our Co-Founder Dame Virginia McKenna, in her absence, saying: “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. Tonight, you embody all that is good about humanity, and I cannot thank you enough for being here, and supporting Born Free.”

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An afternoon with Harry the Piano

On 17th November 2024, long-term Born Free supporters Val Hackett and Mike Carey held a fantastic buffet lunch and afternoon of entertainment, to celebrate our 40th anniversary. Held at The Pavilion, Branston Golf and Country Club, near Burton Trent, the highlight was a performance by the sensational Harry the Piano, renowned as perhaps the most gifted improvising pianist in the world.

“After more than 20 years organising large-scale dinner events in aid of Born Free, we decided to concentrate on a more intimate get-together,” explained Val. “Harry can play any tune in any style and, after two 45-minute sets which included a spectacular arrangement of ‘Somewhere over the rainbow’, he finished his show with requests.

“Tunes included ‘We are the champions’ in the style of Beethoven and the Match of the Day theme tune, in the style of Les Dawson – which brought the house down! He also played ‘Born Free’ and ‘Ring of Bright Water’, especially for our Dame Virginia, and I’ve sent a recording for her to enjoy. Our 143 guests also had fun with a tombola and raffle and, over the course of the day, a wonderful £3,200 was raised for Born Free.”

Drawn from the Heart by Gary Hodges

On 1st October 2024, a star-studded private view, hosted by our Patron Rula Lenska at London’s Mall Galleries, launched a major exhibition by acclaimed pencil artist Gary Hodges. Held in honour of our 40th anniversary, the five-day exhibition celebrated the beauty of wildlife and featured 165 glorious artworks – including original drawings and unique embellished prints.

At the private view, guests including Michaela Strachan, Sally Gunnell OBE, Dame Maureen Lipman and Hayley Mills, as well as renowned wildlife photographer Dave Currey, Gary’s long-term partner, gathered to admire the exquisite drawings. After enjoying drinks and canapés, they were inspired by our Co-Founders, Dame Virginia McKenna and Will Travers OBE.

“On the walls of this gallery is the result of two intense years, a labour of love to celebrate the animals I adore, and the charity I love,” said Gary – a beloved Born Free for 35 years. “Without Born Free, our world would be a far harsher place.” The dazzling evening included a performance by soprano Katie Marshall and a live auction, led by wonderful James Lewis. Together with an online silent auction, and sales of a Drawn from the Heart book, beautifully designed by Paul Whymant Morris and still available to buy, the exhibition raised over £100,000 for our charity.

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Pollyanna Pickering exhibition

In June 2024, a gorgeous collection of artwork by acclaimed artist, the late Pollyanna Pickering, was held at her private gallery near Matlock, Derbyshire, in aid of Born Free. Pollyanna had been a longstanding and much-loved Patron, and the very special exhibition, curated by her daughter Anna-Louise, helped celebrate our 40th.

The display included never before seen sketches from Pollyanna’s expeditions to Born Free projects, as well as pieces inspired by Elsa the lioness, and three new limited editions, signed by Dame Virginia McKenna and Anna-Louise. “Thanks to a percentage of sales, prize draw tickets and donations, the exhibition raised a wonderful £7,100,” Anna-Louise explains.

“Of all the charities Pollyanna supported, undoubtedly the closest and most enduring relationship was with Born Free,” Anna-Louise continued. “In 1990, she travelled to India to paint some rescued tigers, going on to visit projects in South Africa and Ethiopia, staging fundraising exhibitions inspired by her visits. A close friend of Virginia, Pollyanna created limited edition prints and Christmas cards for Born Free, and donated original work to their auctions. She even painted a life-sized lion sculpture! From the outset she realised their aims and ethos were incredibly closely aligned to her own.”

FOOTSTEPS TO FREEDOM BALL 2024

(c) PA / Matt Crossick

On Thursday 21st March 2024, Born Free celebrated its 40th anniversary with a magnificent, star-studded fundraising gala, at the Royal Lancaster London. Footsteps to Freedom, symbolising the path we have already trodden, and the many steps we still have to take in our fight for the welfare and conservation of wild animals, truly epitomised all that is wonderful about our charity and the work we do.

As over 250 guests, both familiar faces and supporters new to Born Free, attended the ball, hosted by actor, broadcaster and Patron Amanda Holden. Our Founder Patron, Dame Joanna Lumley, was in attendance, along with fellow Patron Sally Gunnell OBE and model and personality Jodie Kidd.

Guests were stunned by an emotional and spirited speech by our Co-Founder, our matriarch, our moral compass and Born Free Trustee, the inimitable Dame Virginia McKenna, who reminded us of the story of Pole Pole, the young elephant wild-caught in Kenya, whose untimely death at London Zoo in 1983 was the kickstart for “our little charity, Zoo Check”. Her words brought everyone to tears as she received a standing ovation. 

Read a full report of the event

THE ELEPHANT AND THE DAME

On Tuesday 17th October 2023, hundreds of supporters worldwide – together with their families and friends – joined us for our free online event, to pay tribute to our Co-Founder Dame Virginia McKenna and Pole Pole the little elephant. Poignantly, it was 40 years to the day since Pole Pole died – it was her untimely death at London Zoo that led to the start of our charity.

Brilliantly hosted by our Executive President Will Travers OBE – Virginia’s eldest son – the evening was deeply moving, as we shared poignant memories. But, the night was inspiring too, with thrilling updates on our ground-breaking and successful elephant conservation work, as we looked to a future where elephants are no longer exploited for human gain.

Guests enjoyed several fascinating films, including the world-premiere of our new animation Enough is Enough, narrated by our Founder Patron Dame Joanna Lumley and calling for an Elephant-Free UK. Special guest appearances included Irish soprano Margaret Keys but, undoubtedly, the absolute highlight was Virginia herself, who reminded us that we are a family and have much work to do to keep elephants, and all wild animals, safe! The unforgettable evening raised over £13,000 for elephants and you can enjoy a film of the event using the link below.

Watch The Elephant And The Dame

BORN FREE FOREVER AT CHEWTON GLEN

On Thursday 30th March 2023, guests joined Born Free’s Executive President Will Travers OBE and Patron Kirsty Gallacher at the beautiful Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa for the official launch of the Born Free Forever exhibition.

Welcomed with an Elsa’s Joy cocktail and canapes, guests heard from Will about Born Free’s continued work to protect wild lions and those in captivity. “The pressures on large carnivores such as lions are immense said Will. But there is hope.” Will also shared some of the individual stories behind the sculptures and hoped everyone would enjoy prowling around the grounds with a trail map and reading about the Pride for themselves.

Lions need us more than ever before. Natures needs us more than ever before. With your help, Born Free is ready to answer the call.

Born Free Forever