The UK events industry will host Christmas dinners for more than 3,500 vulnerable and isolated people across 10 major venues on 5th December, marking the largest edition of One Day at Christmas since the initiative launched in 2017.
The campaign, which has served over 10,000 meals since its inception, adds two new venues for 2025: P&J Live in Aberdeen and Tobacco Dock in London. Good Morning Britain presenter Richard Madeley will host the central event at ExCeL London.
The initiative is entirely funded and staffed by the events and exhibitions industry, with venues donating space, caterers providing food and hundreds of volunteers contributing their time. The campaign aims to tackle loneliness, which affects millions of UK adults.
Julian Agostini, founder of One Day at Christmas, said: “This event is the ultimate showcase of the heart and capability of the UK events industry. When we say no one should feel alone at Christmas, we mean it. Expanding to 10 major venues, from Aberdeen to London, demonstrates the sheer cooperation and determination of the exhibitions sector to give back.”
Agostini added: “This is more than just a festive meal; it’s about providing connection, community, and dignity for those who need it most.”
The 10 confirmed venues for 2025 are P&J Live Aberdeen, Tobacco Dock London, Business Design Centre London, Coventry Building Society Arena, ExCeL London, Farnborough International, Manchester Central, NEC Birmingham, SEC Glasgow and Royal Armouries Leeds.
Major event and exhibition organisers supporting the initiative include those behind Grand Designs Live, UK Construction Week, The Cake & Bake Show, The National Running Show and MCM Comic Con.
