Held at London’s iconic Guildhall, The Secret Winter Gala brought to life E.T.A Hoffman’s Christmas classic “Nutcracker and Mouse King” and the evening was attended by over 350 guests including Samantha Cameron, Myleene Klass, Susan Boyle, Dom Joly, Elizabeth McGovern, Poppy and Chloe Delevingne, Natasha Kaplinsky, Mariella Frostrup and Isabella Ferrari.

Taking guests on a fairy tale journey, every element of the evening was designed to bring the story to life to celebrate the wonder of children’s literature and the power of education. Guests were treated to performances from the English National Ballet’s Elena Glurdjidze (Senior Principal dancer) and Arionel Vargas (Principal dancer) who performed a captivating pas-de-deux from this season’s production of Nutcracker by Wayne Eagling. There was musical entertainment from Tom Middleton, pioneering Electronic Music composer, DJ and music director, who performed live alongside a 17 piece orchestra conducted by James Ross. In addition to this a cast of over 20 performers brought the fairy tale characters to life, from Godfather Drosselmeir and Mr and Mrs Stahlbaum to mice, toy soldiers and the Nutcracker himself.

After dinner, Lord Harry Dalmeny led a live auction featuring 7 luxury and exclusive lots such as a VIP trip to Rome with a priceless pair of earrings donated by Bulgari, a couture piece by Anna Valentine, and a celebrity style package including a make-up consultation with Charlotte Tilbury and a dress from Alessandra Rich.

There was also an interactive silent auction which featured a host of exciting lots, including luxury stays in Bulgari’s hotels in Bali and Milan, a tennis shirt worn by Roger Federer, a cinema party at Bulgari London Hotel, and the opportunity to commission your own illustration or landscape painting. To follow the literary theme, guests could also bid on a library consultation with literary agency Diane Banks, 100 Penguin Classics or a Spineless Classics print of the entire Nutcracker and Mouse King tale.

Jean-Christophe Babin, CEO of Bulgari said: “Bulgari’s commitment to Save the Children is global and has generated, over the past five years, more than $20 million through the sale of a specially-designed ring, direct donations and fundraising program. This extraordinary evening shows the Company’s full commitment to corporate social responsibility as well as its faith in education as the major driver of human development.”

Justin Forsyth, Chief Executive of Save the Children said: “We are delighted with the success of our first ever Secret Winter Gala and are hugely grateful for Bulgari’s support in making this spectacular event a reality. Together we have raised valuable funds which will support our life-saving work and help children across the world to fulfill their potential.”

Source: Bulgari