Brief
British Museum Ball dazzles with red theme as celebrities attend amid protests
The gala raised funds for the museum but was disrupted by protests over BP sponsorship and the Parthenon marbles.
By Felo News Desk · Published
The British Museum held its second annual ball on Saturday, October 18, 2026, with a red‑themed dress code linking three upcoming museum displays, according to Standard UK.
What happened
Guests arrived in burgundy attire, including model Adot Gak, actress Gwendoline Christie, and presenter Maya Jama, who wore a strapless burgundy dress. Host Rosanna Konarzewski appeared in a gown inspired by the Bayeux Tapestry. Celebrities such as Benedict Cumberbatch, Sir Mick Jagger and his partner Melanie Hamrick attended, as did London Mayor Lord Sadiq Khan and his wife Saadiya Ahmad.
What the reports add
Standard UK noted that the event raised money for the museum’s landmark status while also attracting protests. A pro‑Palestine group projected the slogans “Drop BP” and “Blood Ball” onto the museum’s façade, targeting the museum’s sponsorship by BP. The outlet also reported that activist Georgie Robertson, a guest at the ball, wore a dress reading “Return the Marbles” and called for the Parthenon sculptures to be returned to Athens.
What was said
Robertson said the marbles “must be reunited with the sculptures displayed at the Acropolis Museum in Athens” and added that the museum should “reflect modern values, not perpetuate the legacy of colonial violence and looting.”
How it came about
The red theme was described as a “unifying thread woven through all three of the museum’s upcoming displays.” The gala follows previous criticism of the museum’s BP sponsorship and its handling of the Parthenon marbles, topics covered in Felo’s earlier report on October 17.
Key facts
- The British Museum Ball took place on October 18, 2026 with a red theme. (standard.co.uk)
- Celebrities attending included Maya Jama, Gwendoline Christie, Benedict Cumberbatch, Mick Jagger and London Mayor Lord Sadiq Khan. (standard.co.uk)
- Pro‑Palestine activists projected "Drop BP" and "Blood Ball" onto the museum during the event. (standard.co.uk)
- Activist Georgie Robertson wore a dress saying "Return the Marbles" and called for the Parthenon marbles to be returned to Athens. (standard.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] standard.co.uk — originally reported as “Best looks at British Museum Ball as Maya Jama among galaxy stars at glamorous bash”
