A Glittering Celebration of Community, Charity, and Camaraderie: The 101st WACL Charity Christmas Gala
The WACL Christmas Charity Gala has long been the pinnacle of festive celebration, connection, and generosity in the advertising and media industries. This year, marking its 101st anniversary, the event outdid itself, hosted in the opulent surroundings of The Peninsula London, a new hotspot that added a layer of glamour to an already iconic tradition.
The Gala is much more than an elegant evening of sequins and celebration; it represents the spirit of support, collaboration, and giving back that lies at the heart of WACL’s mission. As the organisation continues its century-old pursuit of accelerating gender equality in the industry, this year’s event raised vital funds for two meaningful causes: The WACL Talent Awards, which support and uplift the next generation of female leaders, and NABS, the industry charity dedicated to the well-being of its members.
A Collective Effort: The Gala Dream Team
Bringing an event of this scale and sophistication to life is no small feat. Behind the glittering exterior was a small but talented team of dedicated professionals who poured months of effort volunteering into making the evening a success. Led by Co-Chairs Sarah Parkes and Cat Davis, this “small army of superstars” (Natalie Bell, Ruth Mortimer, Anna Randles, Victoria Bickle, Cat George, and the creative expertise from The Behaviours Agency) all worked tirelessly to ensure every detail was perfect. From sourcing sponsors to enable us to ‘put on the party’ to sourcing lanterns to decorate the ceiling of The Pen’s ballroom, auction prizes, headline talent, closing live band, DJ, host for the night etc. etc. to creating stunning creative assets and co-ordinating logistics, their dedication exemplifies the power of teamwork.
Special thanks were extended to key contributors, including Anastasia Takis Brand, Jess Symes, Diana Tickell, Jill Schnura, Karen Stacey (this year’s insurmountable WACL President), and many others, who juggled their day jobs while curating an unforgettable evening. A huge shout-out also went to Jason Noah, Craig Barker and the rest of the team at Cre8tive Events for their seamless execution and support and Bronac McNeill and her army of photographers for capturing the evening so wonderfully.
A Night to Remember
The night started with a cocktail reception and further sparkled with incredible performances, including a show-stopping set by the legendary Beverley Knight. “Her rendition of “I’m Every Woman” was a moment none of us will forget” said many of the assembled guests —an electrifying highlight that set the tone for an evening of magic and celebration. A live band performance from the Flo Collective, and the inimitable Neev Spencer, who hosted and DJed with her trademark energy, added even more glamour and joy.
“The WACL Gala is simply a magical and joyous evening – like no other” commented another guest. “The atmosphere was palpable, filled with positive vibes from the moment the lift doors opened to the cocktail reception” echoed the feeling of many at the event. The evening wasn’t just about entertainment; it was infused with purpose, with attendees bidding on auction items and entering the ever-popular Lucky Stars raffle to raise much-needed funds.
The room was a kinetic tapestry of conversations, connections, and joyous celebration. One guest remarked “I felt honoured to be there – I felt so at home and part of a community with the same ambition”. Power chats mingled with fun-filled catch-ups, creating an atmosphere that epitomised the best of WACL—a community rooted in mutual support, shared values, and a drive for positive change.
A Farewell to Party Shoes
This year’s event also marked a poignant milestone for Cat and Sarah, who, after organising 10 incredible Galas and a 100th Garden Party for 800 people between them, have decided it’s time to hang up their “party organising shoes.” Reflecting on their journeys, they shared heartfelt thanks to this year’s Gala Committee, all those who have gone before and countless others who have made these events unforgettable.
Continuing the Mission
The WACL Charity Christmas Gala is a celebration of achievements, but more importantly, it is a testament to the power of community and the impact of collective action. Through the funds raised, WACL continues to inspire, campaign, and support—helping to pave the way for greater gender equality and lifting up the next generation of leaders.
As attendees left The Peninsula with warm hearts and lighter wallets, one thing was clear: the Gala is not just a party; it’s a promise. A promise to continue building an industry that champions equality, supports one another, and celebrates success together. Here’s to another year of progress and to meeting again at the next dazzling celebration in 2025. See you on the dancefloor.
Author:
Cat Davis – Co-Chair of the Gala Committee
Group Marketing DirectorThe MISSION Group
Photo Credit – © BronacMcNeill
About the author
