Fayre of St James at Fortnum & Mason another success

Law night saw 500 Londoners, St James’s residents and VIPs including Hayley Atwell, Sophie Windsor and Pixie Lott, gather together for the much-anticipated Fortnum & Mason and Quintessentially Foundation Fayre of St James in association with The Crown Estate.

The evening began with the beautiful Fayre of St James charity Christmas concert, which took place within the beautiful enclaves of St James’s Church. As well as traditional Christmas carols and hymns, taking centre stage were some of the UK’s leading celebrity performers including Pixie Lott and operatic singer Noah Stewart, with readings from actresses Celia Imrie and Natascha McElhone, as well as The Hobbit’s James Nesbitt. The Church was decorated throughout with candles elegantly displayed from the ceiling as well as Christmas decorations and lighting.

Pixie Lott looked radiant in a sequined Temperley London floor length gown, accompanied with an angelic Silver Spoon Attire headband – whilst Noah Stewart looked dapper in Ozwald Boateng, before blowing guests away with his operatic take on festive renditions.

Following the concert, guests enjoyed mulled wine and the switching on of the Jermyn Street Christmas lights by duo Celia Imrie and James Nesbitt, before moving on to Fortnum & Mason for the ultimate Christmas celebration. During the switch on, Celia lorded Jermyn Street’s English heritage, whilst fulfilling one of her oldest dreams by finally switching on one of London’s most prestigious lights – which she had wanted to do ever since her role as Cinderella in pantomime.

At Fortnum & Mason, attendees were treated to Champagne and cocktails, sumptuous canapés, food stations and live entertainment throughout the evening, including an exclusive live session performed by Henry Wyndham’s (Chairman of Sotheby’s) three sons and friends. A team of Fortnum & Mason’s most esteemed personal shoppers were also on hand for those wanting to partake in a little festive Christmas shopping during the night’s festivities – which took place across the whole of Fortnum & Mason’s fourth floor, exclusively closed down to guests of the Fayre of St James only.

During the Christmas party, guests were invited to take part in an exciting live and silent auction, compared by Sotheby’s Henry Wyndham. The evening raised a staggering total of over £200,000 on the night which far surpassed their original target, with all proceeds donated to Rays of Sunshine, the UK charity committed to granting wishes for seriously and terminally ill children between the ages of three and eighteen.

The editorial unit
Photos: Marcus Dawes

For further information about Rays of Sunshine visit here. For further information about Quintessentially Foundation visit here.