On Friday 6 December, members of the Care Show team from CloserStill Media took part as volunteers in this year’s One Day at Christmas at Excel, London. Each with a dedicated role to play, and smiles all round, the day was one of wholesome activities and festive merriment.

Whilst for most people Christmas is a time for family and celebration, for many, it can be a period of loneliness and isolation. One Day at Christmas aims to change this by creating magical festive experiences for those who might otherwise spend the day alone. Launched in 2017, this inspiring initiative brings together the UK events industry to host gatherings at major venues across the country, including Excel London, NEC Birmingham, and SEC Glasgow. Each location transforms into a winter wonderland, complete with entertainment, food, gifts, and heartwarming activities designed to lift spirits and create a community atmosphere for those in attendance.

Matthew Moore, Show Manager at CloserStill Media said “It was fantastic for the events industry to come together and put on an event for people in need this Christmas. Being able to spend time with such amazing people and listen to their inspiring life stories is so fulfilling and rewarding. As Show Manager for Care Show, we are already so aware of how important it is to set time aside to engage with vulnerable people and it further highlights how important the role of the care sector is in providing such support to people across the entire year, and not just at Christmas.’

This year’s event opened with a cheeky glass of sherry to accompany the welcome speeches from the organisers at Mash media. Lunch was served at 12:30 with soup to start, a hearty roast dinner for the main course, and a classic Christmas pudding to finish with. With a choir performance from a local primary school, followed by a festive quiz and a raffle, the day finished off with plenty of dancing and music.

Heidi Rasanen, Marketing Manager at CloserStill Media said "Volunteering at One Day at Christmas is an amazing way for the Care Show team to reach out to our community and meet the residents face-to-face. Most of the time we talk to those providing the care but this is a rare opportunity for us to spread joy to the other side of the sector, and those whose lives are impacted by our actions. It reminds us that behind every delegate and exhibitor are individuals with their own wants and needs. Participating at One Day at Christmas has become a tradition we hope to be able to keep up for the years to come, and we'd also like to thank Mash Media for organising the event."

The event isn’t just about festivities—it’s about tackling the broader issue of social isolation, particularly during a season that can highlight feelings of loneliness. With a mission to create a positive, lasting impact, One Day at Christmas grows each year, spreading its reach and fostering a stronger sense of community.

Whether you’re looking to volunteer, sponsor, or simply support the cause, there are countless ways to get involved. By working together, this initiative reminds everyone that no one should feel alone during the holidays. To learn more about this inspiring effort and find ways to contribute, visit the official website: One Day at Christmas