The UK events and exhibitions industry is set to deliver its most ambitious collective social initiative yet, with One Day at Christmas expanding to 10 of the UK’s largest event venues on Friday, December 5th, 2025. The campaign brings the industry together to host a festive Christmas dinner and community celebration for more than 3,500 vulnerable and isolated people.
The 2025 event marks a significant milestone, welcoming two major new venues: P&J Live, Aberdeen, and Tobacco Dock, London, joining eight other iconic locations nationwide.
Further amplifying the campaign’s reach, much-loved broadcaster and host of Good Morning Britain, Richard Madeley, has officially lent his support, hosting the central event at Excel London. His involvement underscores the national importance of the initiative, which has already served over 10,000 meals since its inception in 2017.
Julian Agostini, founder of One Day at Christmas, stated: “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.”
One Day at Christmas is unique because it is entirely powered by the events and exhibitions community. Venues donate their space, caterers donate food, and hundreds of volunteers—staffed by the industry—donate their time. Donations are made from all corners of the industry to make this a very special day. This collective effort is aimed at tackling the UK’s loneliness epidemic, which affects millions of adults.
The full list of 10 confirmed host venues for 2025 includes:
- NEW: P&J Live, Aberdeen
- NEW: Tobacco Dock, London
- Business Design Centre, London
- Coventry Building Society Arena
- ExCeL London (Hosted by Richard Madeley)
- Farnborough International
- Manchester Central
- NEC Birmingham
- SEC Glasgow
- Royal Armouries, Leeds
The event is being supported by some of the major event and exhibition organisers in the UK, whose shows include Grand Designs Live, UK Construction Week, The Cake & Bake Show, The National Running Show, MCM Comic Con, amongst live performances, concerts, sporting events and much more.
“This is more than just a festive meal; it’s about providing connection, community, and dignity for those who need it most. We are ready to help the media show the nation what true Christmas spirit looks like,” added Agostini.
