Footsteps to Freedom Ball 2025
Join Born Free, our Patrons and friends for a fabulous evening of fine food and wine, dancing and entertainment at our gala ball, at the Royal Lancaster London.
Events
Check out our latest in person and online events
Born Free Events
Please take a look at the range of events we have coming up.
If you have any questions or would like more information on any of our events, please email our Events Manager, Joanne Bartholomew.
Born Free's Latest Events
London Marathon
Inspired to take part in the TCS London Marathon? While our 2025 team places are now filled, you can register for the TCS MyWay virtual marathon to join our Run Wild priority waitlist and be ready to step in if a spot opens.
Past Events
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
(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, 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.
(c) Whitehat
BEYOND TROPHY HUNTING
On December 15 2022, Born Free hosted a public discussion to explore innovative and humane alternatives to trophy hunting, at London’s iconic Royal Geographical Society.
Hundreds of supporters, members of the public, industry professionals and press joined Born Free, both in person and online, at our Beyond Trophy Hunting event. Hosted by Born Free Co-Founder and Executive President Will Travers, the event featured a global panel of experts, to discuss their visions for a post-trophy hunting world.
Read the full write up of the event
© Mina Milanovic Photography
THE MANE EVENT “ROAR” 2022
The sun was setting on a glorious September day at Denbies Wine Estate near Dorking, Surrey, as over 260 guests arrived at Born Free’s first, in-person, event in three years! Loyal supporters mixed with new as they were greeted by a stunning life-size lion puppet.
Seeing familiar faces, in person, was such a joy and as everyone enjoyed a glass of Denbies’ delicious sparkling wine, old friendships were renewed, and new ones formed. We were delighted our new Patron Olympic gold medallist Sally Gunnell OBE, was able to attend ahead of her Mount Kenya expedition in aid of Born Free; world acclaimed author and friend of Born Free, Sir Michael Morpurgo OBE was a guest of honour; alongside famous lyricist Don Black OBE, who won an Oscar for the song Born Free.