Maya Jama and me — with the A-list at the British Museum Ball

By the Editorial Team · Monday, October 19, 2026

The British Museum held its second annual Ball, attracting around 850 guests who enjoyed performances, exclusive exhibit access, and a high-profile fundraising auction. The event reinforced its status as a major cultural gala in London, blending celebrity allure with philanthropy while drawing attention to unique museum experiences like private viewings of the Bayeux Tapestry.

The British Museum hosted its second annual British Museum Ball on Saturday night, drawing an estimated 850 guests to an evening that combined high-profile entertainment, exclusive access to exhibits, and a fundraising auction. The event, held in the museum’s Great Court and surrounding galleries, attracted a range of celebrities, socialites, and collectors, with ticket prices rising to £3,500 this year from £2,000 in 2025.

Key highlights of the evening included performances by actors Benedict Cumberbatch and Jude Law, who took part in a Letters Live reading. However, many attendees appeared more focused on socializing and fashion than the performances, requiring intervention from London mayor Sadiq Khan to quiet the crowd and acknowledge the presence of rock legend Mick Jagger. Despite the initial distractions, attendees expressed excitement over the event’s atmosphere and the museum’s renowned setting.

Stars from film and television were prominent on the red carpet, including actresses Lesley Manville in Dolce & Gabbana and Gwendoline Christie in Giles Deacon, alongside Cush Jumbo, Emma Thynn, Marchioness of Bath, and Lady Kitty Spencer. The cast of the BBC series Traitors was also featured, with Maya Jama drawing attention in a Roberto Cavalli ensemble. The silent auction featured a private tour of the museum led by trustee Claudia Winkelman, which attracted bids up to £25,000.

The Ball was conceived as a stylish British counterpart to the Met Gala, focusing on blending cultural prestige with celebrity allure. While heavily attended by affluent guests willing to spend tens of thousands on tables, the event emphasized interaction between celebrities and the broader public, fostering a convivial and inclusive atmosphere. Guests enjoyed unique experiences such as private viewing opportunities of the Bayeux Tapestry without the usual crowds, which many described as a highlight of the night.

Alongside the festivities, a small protest took place outside the museum, organized by the campaign group Energy Embargo for Palestine. Demonstrators opposed the museum’s celebration of the anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence and its sponsorship by oil company BP. This year's demonstration was more subdued than in 2025, featuring a visually striking but quieter projection of the message “Drop BP” on the building’s façade.

Despite some organizational hiccups, including elongated speeches and delayed meal service, the overall reception to the event was positive. The evening concluded with a performance by rapper Wyclef Jean in the Sainsbury Gallery, followed by an after-party at St Clement’s club. The celebrations attracted continued celebrity attention, with Mick Jagger and George Osborne among those mingling with guests, including Maya Jama.

The British Museum Ball continues to establish itself as a premier cultural and social event in London’s calendar, combining art, celebrity, and philanthropy against the backdrop of one of the world’s most iconic institutions.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.