Footsteps to Freedom Ball 2025

25/03/2025

Born Free’s Event Manager Joanne Bartholomew shares memories from last week’s gala evening, which – with friends old and new – raised vital funds for our precious wildlife.

Joanna Lumley and James Lewis standing on a stage with their arms raised in the air

Dame Joanna Lumley and James Lewis on stage (c) PA / Matt Crossick

Our star-studded fundraising gala, held in the week of our 41st anniversary, truly epitomised all that is crucial about our charity’s work for wildlife. The remarkable evening symbolised the path we’ve already trodden, and the many steps we still have to take, in our fight for the welfare and conservation of wild animals.

Joanne Bartholomew

As 300 guests, familiar faces and supporters new to Born Free, arrived at London’s Royal Lancaster’s Westbourne Suite, the scene was set by our amazing partners, Wasserman Live, for a sumptuous evening. As the champagne started to flow, guests were soon joined by our special Patrons.

Our Founder Patron Dame Joanna Lumley, who introduced our auctioneer James Lewis, first read a personal message from our Co-Founder Dame Virginia McKenna, in her absence: “I am sure you all realise how disappointed I feel not to be with you all this evening. Our events are always so special, and I look forward to them immensely.

“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.”

Marvellously hosted by our Patrons Gaby Roslin and Nicky Campbell OBE, with guests including Chris Packham CBE, Lily Travers and Gary Hodges, the evening had many highlights, not least an astounding performance by London’s The Lion King, which captivated the audience.

Continues below…

WATCH: FOOTSTEPS TO FREEDOM BALL 2025

One lucky winner of our Diamond in a Glass draw won an exclusive ‘Carbon Negative Diamond’, exquisitely created and donated by Ethica Diamonds. A passionate speech by our Executive President and Co-Founder, Will Travers OBE, highlighted many achievements and our future plans.

It was also a night of film. Narrated by Dame Virginia, our Footsteps to Freedom short captured the essence of our work. Dame Joanna responded to the deeply moving film, saying “What is there not to admire? What is there not to love? Thank you all for being here this evening and giving Virginia, Will, and the whole team your support. They are Born Free – YOU are their foundation.”

Andrew Bourn and the band were brilliant, and it didn’t take long for all the guests to move onto the dancefloor for some footsteps of their own!

What a night to remember. Thank you for your amazing support and making the evening such a success – not only by being with us, but by giving so generously, not least to our Live Auction and Silent Auction.

I can’t wait until the next one… I truly hope to see you again soon.