The UK’s events and exhibitions sector is gearing up to host its most ambitious social initiative to date. One Day at Christmas is set to expand to 10 of the UK’s largest event venues on Friday, December 5th, 2025, delivering a festive Christmas dinner and community celebration for over 3,500 vulnerable and isolated individuals.
In a significant development, the 2025 event will welcome two new high-profile venues: P&J Live in Aberdeen and Tobacco Dock in London, joining an impressive roster of eight other iconic locations across the country. The move underscores the growing scale and impact of this heartwarming initiative.
Adding to the excitement, Richard Madeley, the well-known broadcaster and host of Good Morning Britain, has lent his support to the campaign. He will host the central event at ExCeL London, a key location in this national effort. His involvement highlights the widespread importance of One Day at Christmas, which has already served over 10,000 meals since its debut in 2017.
Julian Agostini, founder of One Day at Christmas, commented on the expansion, saying, “This event is a true testament to the heart and strength of the UK’s events industry. Expanding to 10 major venues nationwide demonstrates the remarkable spirit of cooperation within the sector. Our goal is simple: no one should feel alone at Christmas, and we are committed to making that a reality.”
A Collective Effort to Tackle Loneliness
What sets One Day at Christmas apart is its collaborative approach. The event is entirely powered by the UK’s events and exhibitions community, with venues offering their space, caterers donating food, and hundreds of industry volunteers generously giving their time. Donations from across the sector ensure that this festive event continues to be a special occasion for all involved.
The initiative aims to combat the UK’s growing loneliness epidemic, which affects millions of people, particularly those who are isolated during the holiday season.
2025 Event Venues Announced
The confirmed 10 venues for One Day at Christmas 2025 are:
- 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 also enjoys strong support from leading UK event organisers, with shows including Grand Designs Live, UK Construction Week, The Cake & Bake Show, The National Running Show, and MCM Comic Con, alongside a wide range of live performances, concerts, and sporting events.
