On Monday 19th October, a group of Blue Light Card members swapped their work uniforms for black tie and ballgowns, ready to take on the red carpet.
These lucky few were the winners of our latest VIP event ballot, securing tickets to the Pride of Britain Awards at the luxurious Grosvenor House on Park Lane.
The evening involved camera flashes, famous faces and a five-star sleepover for the ballot winners – not your average Monday night on the front line.
Here’s how the night panned out.
As part of their awards experience, our members got the chance to stay overnight at the five-star Grosvenor hotel. Once everyone was checked in, settled into their rooms and glammed up for the evening, we met in the lobby for a photo and a chance to get to know each other.
“When we arrived at the hotel, I was in awe of how stunning and glamorous the Grosvenor Hotel was.”
– Sarah, NHS
From the lobby, we headed straight to the red carpet – and it was far busier than we expected. In places, you couldn’t move for celebrities, photographers and interviewers, and we found ourselves brushing shoulders with stars from the telly. We hung around to take some pictures, soak it all up and people-watch as the guests arrived.
“Walking down the red carpet alongside other Blue Light winners was an incredible experience, and for a moment, I truly felt like a celebrity.”
– Sarah, NHS
A couple of our members had felt a little daunted by the prospect of walking the red carpet, but it ended up being a brilliant experience:
“Although I was initially nervous about walking the red carpet, it turned out to be one of the highlights of the evening. I genuinely thought we would be walking it before the celebrities arrived, so being able to share that experience with them was absolutely amazing.”
– Neil, Detective Constable
Back inside the hotel, there were more photos and a pre-show drink with a side of star spotting. Over the course of the night, our members spotted (and snapped photos with) the likes of Joey Essex, Shirley Ballas, Miriam Margolyes, Helen Fielding, Ben Shephard, Davina McCall, Chris Kamara and Jack Grealish.
“My partner and I soon eased into it and forgot being self-conscious when we began mingling with the stars and collecting photos.”
– Marie, Police Officer
Even a trip to the bathroom turned into a photo opportunity, with a few selfies with celebs along the way. Then it was time to sit down for a three-course meal at our table, which had a great view of the stage.
“The opportunity to meet celebrities I have looked up to for years, and to discover how genuinely lovely and interested they were in what I do, was amazing. My daughters have loved looking through the photographs I took on the night and hearing the stories behind them.”
– Neil, Detective Constable
Next, the Pride of Britain Awards ceremony began, hosted by Carol Vorderman and Ashley Banjo. Each award came with a powerful story of bravery and kindness from everyday people. We heard from the winners as they collected their trophies, and by the end of the evening, there wasn’t a dry eye in sight.
One of the most emotional moments saw a children’s heart surgeon reunited on stage with some of his former patients. The Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, even took to the stage to present an award to the founders of Andy’s Man Club, a safe space for men to meet and talk about mental health.
“Meeting the award winners and hearing their inspirational stories was unforgettable. It was incredibly moving to be there and to share such a special evening with them. The whole event was filled with amazing people whose courage, dedication and achievements were truly inspiring.”
– Sarah, NHS
Just when we thought the show was over, we were surprised with a performance from iconic boyband Blue – and we did All Rise to our feet for a dance. The night then carried on with an after-party alongside all the other guests, complete with a DJ and plenty of bubbles. When it was finally time to call it a night, bed was close by, just a few floors up from the grand ballroom.
The next morning, we enjoyed a proper hotel breakfast at the Grosvenor before saying bye and heading home. Every member also left with a Blue Light Card goody bag as a final treat.
For our ballot winners, the night was a well-deserved treat – a chance to celebrate and be celebrated for giving so much. Here’s what our attendees told us:
“It was wonderful to share the experience with friends from the other emergency services and to be part of something so special. It really was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I will never forget.”
– Neil, Detective Constable
“The night far surpassed any expectations I had… It’s a night we will never forget and we can’t thank you enough!”
– Marie, Police Officer
“The goody bag was the cherry on top of the cake! My favourite parts included walking the red carpet and star spotting, hearing all of the wonderful stories and just being able to experience the buzz in the room and also meeting the other winners.”
– Teresa, NHS
Ballots for events like this one are open to all Blue Light Card members, and they’re completely free to enter. Our winners are selected from the ballot at random – so next time, it could be you! Take it from Neil, who didn’t think he had a shot:
“I have always been one of those people who says, ‘I never win anything!’ so I would definitely encourage others to enter the ballot. You never know what incredible experience might come your way!”
– Neil, Detective Constable
To be in with a chance to win a place at future VIP events, check our latest Events on the Blue Light Card website or in the app.
Yes. Blue Light Card runs different types of events and experiences for members throughout the year:
Yes. All active Blue Light Card members are eligible to enter event ballots. All you need to do is head to the Events section in the Blue Light Card app or website and enter before the closing date.
Yes. There’s no cost to enter a ballot and the experience is provided for free.
