Giggs brought his friends and family together for a ‘Beauty and The Beast’ themed Giggsmas.
The festive event returned for its third year on Monday (16.12.24) night at the quintessentially British Old Royal Navy College in London as guests (who had been ferried to the venue from Westminster) were treated to a fully immersive experience at the historical venue which was transformed into a fairy-tale like wonderland for the evening. The Grade I listed building, designed by Sir Christopher Wren, dates back to the early 18th century.
Guests walked through The Ripley Tunnel (reimagined as C.S. Lewis’ famous wardrobe) before enjoying champagne and Au Vodka cocktails at the Queen Mary Undercroft which was transformed into an enchanting Narnia-like setting with an Adidas Santa’s Grotto. The Undercroft, with its stunning vaulted ceiling, provided the perfect backdrop for this magical transformation.
After the reception, guests dined like Caribbean royalty in the Painted Hall as ‘Beauty and The Beast’ vibes collided with a giant Mars installation by Luke Jerram. The Painted Hall, often referred to as ‘Britain’s Sistine Chapel,’ features one of the most spectacular Baroque interiors in Europe, painted between 1707 and 1726.
The evening was capped off with a surprise performance of ‘Nothing Like This’ by Omar and mind-bending tricks from magician Dynamo. Omar’s soulful performance echoed through the historic halls, creating an unforgettable atmosphere for all attendees.
The green carpet featured ‘Beauty and The Beast’ inspired ensembles to create the most flamboyant celebration of Giggsmas yet. Fashion designers and stylists worked for months to create unique pieces that honored both the fairy tale theme and British cultural heritage.
The illustrious event was attended by a range of influential creatives including Ade Adepitan, Big Narstie, Snoochie Shy and Wretch 32. The guest list represented a diverse cross-section of British entertainment, sports, and cultural figures.
Guests in attendance brought toys with them, which were donated to the charity KidsOut to bring joy to children in need during the holiday season. KidsOut has been supporting disadvantaged children across the UK for over 25 years, providing positive experiences and memories.
Giggs is renowned as a pivotal trailblazer in British music and has created an annual year-end tradition in celebration of British culture, arts and excellence – bringing people together with a strong sense of community and festive cheer. His influence on the UK music scene spans over two decades.
The event showcased the best of British creativity, from the elaborate decorations to the carefully curated entertainment lineup. Local artisans and designers contributed their talents to transform each space within the historic venue, creating distinct themed areas that told different parts of the Beauty and the Beast story.
The culinary experience featured a fusion of Caribbean and British cuisines, prepared by award-winning chefs who created a menu that paid homage to Giggs’ cultural heritage while celebrating contemporary British gastronomy. Each course was paired with carefully selected wines and specialty cocktails.
Throughout the evening, interactive installations and performances kept guests engaged, with professional dancers recreating scenes from Beauty and the Beast in unexpected locations throughout the venue. The historic architecture of the Old Royal Navy College provided a stunning backdrop for these magical moments.
The charitable aspect of the event extended beyond toy donations, with Giggs announcing a significant contribution to various youth-focused organizations across London. This commitment to community support has been a cornerstone of the Giggsmas celebration since its inception.
Social media buzzed with excitement as attendees shared glimpses of the evening using the custom hashtag #Giggsmas2024, reaching millions of followers worldwide and showcasing London’s vibrant cultural scene. The event has become a highlight of the city’s festive calendar, inspiring similar community-focused celebrations across the UK.
