A whole host of the rich and fabulous turned out for Elton John’s first ever London Winter Ball. And boy, what a party...
The starriest of glitteratti descended on the Grosvenor House Hotel in London last night, for Elton John's fantastical Winter Ball.
When Elton John throws a party, you know it's going to be something of a spectacular night.
Like his world-renowned White Tie and Tiara Summer Ball, Elton's winter version, in association with Grey Goose Character and Cocktails, was an equally glittering affair - jam-packed full of his A-list pals (and Marie Claire, naturally.)
'It's the first time we've thrown a Winter Ball in the UK,' explained Elton, 'so I'm really pleased that we've been able to put on such a great night for such a worthy cause'.
Elton and partner David Furnish, enlisted the help of Roland Mouret, Lily Cole and Lily Allen to help design three cocktail bars - creating the Origami Bar, the Other Side Bar and the Lil' Box of Tracks Bar, respectively.
Their efforts were showcased on the night before being auctioned off - raising a combined total of over £175,000 for the Elton John Aids Foundation.
Guests including Lily Allen, Kevin Spacey and Liz Hurley supped on bespoke Grey Goose vodka-based cocktails - designed exclusively for the event by some of the biggest names in the drinks industry.
Then came the sumptuous three-course meal. The starry crowd dined on a Winter salad starter of glazed figs, cured ham and goats' cheese mousse, followed by a main of wild seabass and ratte potatoes, and a chocolate truffle with blackberries for dessert.
The charity auction saw hundreds of thousands of pounds being bid on a succession of items - from the three designer bars, to meet-and-greets with Lewis Hamilton and Jensen Button, to winning David Furnish's gold scooter.
Entertainment came courtesy of Kelly Rowland, who had everyone up on their feet by the end of her high-energy live set - in which she performed some of her biggest solo hits, as well as revisiting her Destiny's Child days.
All in all, a hugely successful night of feel-good fun - with a phenomenal amount of money being raised for a very worthy cause.
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