Footsteps to Freedom Ball
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 & Philanthropy Manager, Joanne Bartholomew.
Born Free's Latest Events
London Marathon
If you were inspired by the excitement, elation and accomplishment shown by more than 48,000 finishers at the 2023 TCS London Marathon, now’s your chance to be involved at the world-famous marathon in 2024. There are several ways you can be involved in this epic event.
Born Free: An exhibition of work by Pollyanna Pickering
An exhibition of previously unseen artwork by wildlife artist, the late Pollyanna Pickering, in celebration of the 40th anniversary of Born Free - an organisation very close to her heart.
Drawn From The Heart
A major new solo show by Gary Hodges, Britain's best-selling pencil artist, in aid of Born Free in our charity's 40th year.
Past Events
THE ELEPHANT AND THE DAME
On Tuesday 17th October, 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.