Inside London's Grand Ball 2026 at Harrods


The Prestigious Star Awards in Pictures

On Friday 20th March, the magnificent Harrods played host to London’s Grand Ball 2026, where the world’s finest venues gathered to celebrate the Prestigious Star Awards.

London's Grand Ball, celebrating the Prestigious Star Awards 2026


The Picture Story

A global celebration of the world's best venues for unforgettable events. 

London’s Grand Ball returned in spectacular style on Friday 20th March, as the magnificent Harrods played host to an extraordinary celebration of the Prestigious Star Awards 2026, bringing together the world’s finest venues, distinguished clients, and leading event professionals from across the globe for an evening defined by elegance, energy, and purpose. From the moment guests arrived, the atmosphere was electric - a seamless fusion of grandeur, anticipation, and celebration - where every element, from the iconic setting and exceptional hospitality to the captivating entertainment and timeless traditions, came together effortlessly. More than an event, it was a powerful showcase of excellence where achievements were honoured, connections strengthened, and inspiration filled the room, creating an unforgettable night that reflects the very best of the global events industry - here is the story in pictures, as captured by Lee Thomas.

Host Venue


Harrods

Set in the heart of Knightsbridge, Harrods - one of London’s most iconic landmarks - hosted this year’s Prestigious Star Awards and London’s Grand Ball. Guests were welcomed into the historic department store before moving into the Georgian Restaurant and Ballroom, an elegant space known for its ornate detailing and distinctive character. The venue provided a fitting backdrop for the awards presentation and Grand Ball, where the focus remained firmly on celebrating the world’s finest venues, strengthening connections, and sharing a memorable evening with peers from across the global events industry.

Arrival Reception


London's Grand Ball

Guests were welcomed with a sparkling arrival reception, setting the tone for the evening ahead. The talented Urban Soul Orchestra, provided an elegant musical backdrop, while the captivating Sky Magician moved among guests, delivering moments of surprise and delight throughout the night.

The Awards Ceremony


Winners & Highly Commended

The awards ceremony unfolded with a strong sense of occasion, as the Prestigious Star Awards 2026 recognised standout venues from across the world in front of their peers and clients. As winners were announced, representatives from across the globe - including Austria, Italy, Portugal, Morocco, Turkey, Spain, Scotland, the British Virgin Islands, and the UK - stepped forward to collect their awards, each moment met with genuine applause and respect from the room. The breadth of international representation, combined with the calibre on display, reinforced the global significance of the awards and the standard of excellence they represent.

2026


A Showcase Of Successful Events

Best Events, an initiative by Prestigious Venues, returned to highlight three outstanding events hosted at world-class venues, each demonstrating creativity, scale, and flawless execution. Cutty Sark delivered an immersive under-the-sea themed Gala Dinner beneath the iconic ship, transforming the space into a truly unique and atmospheric experience. Schönbrunn Palace hosted the prestigious Longines Global Champions Tour in Vienna, combining world-class sport with regal grandeur on an international stage. Banqueting House marked its return with a standout event that reintroduced the historic venue with impact and elegance. Following the live audience vote, Cutty Sark was crowned Best Event, with Schönbrunn Palace awarded Highly Commended.

The


Media Wall

The media wall offered a refined setting to capture the evening’s style and elegance, with guests stepping forward for photographs throughout the night. From classic black tie to more distinctive looks, it became a natural moment to showcase individuality, confidence, and the understated glamour that defined the occasion.

Ballroom Dance


Nataliia Siianko & Nikos Pallikarou

A captivating ballroom dance demonstration by Nataliia Siianko and Nikos Pallikarou brought a moment of elegance and theatre to the evening, as the two world-class professionals took to the floor with precision, poise, and effortless grace. Their performance added a refined energy to the room, offering guests a beautifully choreographed showcase of classic ballroom at its finest.

Music Entertainment


Urban Soul Orchestra

Urban Soul Orchestra provided a live musical backdrop to the evening, most notably accompanying the ballroom demonstration with a performance of Waltz No.2 by Dmitri Shostakovich. Their live strings added depth and timing to the performance, creating a more immersive and authentic experience as the dancers took to the floor.

Guest Prizes


For All

The evening concluded with a series of guest prize competitions, bringing a lively and engaging close to the celebrations. Prizes were awarded for Best Dressed Lady and Gentleman, most popular social media post on the night, and a business card draw, with winners receiving luxury stays at exceptional venues including Royal Mansour Marrakech, Turnberry, Camiral, and JW Marriott Venice. Two additional prizes - for Best Post-Event Social Media and the First Confirmed Event from the room - remain open, with winners to be announced following the event.

The After Party


By Funkybuddha

The evening continued at Funky Buddha, where 37 guests carried the momentum of the Grand Ball into a more relaxed, late-night setting. With music, drinks, and a lively atmosphere, it offered the perfect opportunity to unwind, celebrate, and continue conversations well into the night...
Afterparty at Funkybuddha for London Grand Ball, Prestigious Star Awards 2026

Thank You


Our Gratitude & Credit Goes To


Our Event Partners

A sincere thank you to our event partners whose expertise and collaboration played a pivotal role in delivering such a memorable evening. From Harrods as our host venue, to Luminaire Creative Production for making the impossible happen, and Urban Soul Orchestra for their wonderful live performance, each partner helped shape the experience. We also extend our thanks to City Academy for introducing us to the exceptional Nataliia Siianko and Nikos Pallikarou, London Filmed for the upcoming feature film, and Sky Magician for his captivating performances. To Richard Birtchnell for his outstanding hosting, to Lee Thomas Photography for capturing the evening so beautifully, and to Funkybuddha for a fantastic afterparty. Thank you to everyone who made the evening possible - here’s to the next one.
Partner Credits

Brought to you by


Prestigious Star Awards are brought to you by Prestigious Venues

Featured Finalists


The 2026 Media Wall featured a shortlist of finalists who made it to the top among 2,000+ venues reviewed and our headline partners

Awards Media Wall 2026, London Grand Ball for Prestigious Star Awards

LEARN MORE


Winners

2026 Winners & Highly Commended venues.

WINNERS LIST

Press Release

See our press release and publish your own story

PUBLISHED IMMINENTLY

2027 Entry

Nominate a distinguished venue, event supplier or staff for 2027 awards.

2027 AWARDS ENTRY