The National Lottery hosted a spectacular music and entertainment show at the OVO Arena, Wembley on 4 December which included eight WWII veterans supported by the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans.
The show celebrated the big moments of 2024 including the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games, The National Lottery’s 30th anniversary and included surprise contributions from Richard Armitage and Jason Isaacs with a group of D Day veterans.
The National Lottery’s Big Bash event, hosted by Vernon Kay and Fleur East transformed the OVO Arena, Wembley into a celebratory end of year party featuring musical performances, popular culture highlights and key sporting moments that have impacted the UK this year.
From a sensational performance of ‘Cupid’s Bow’ by Olly Alexander to a surprise appearance from Loose Women with the cast of Mamma Mia to celebrate both shows 25 year anniversary, the event showcased some of the unforgettable moments from the past year. Opening The National Lottery event was Perrie with an incredible rendition of her new hit ‘You Go Your Way’ whilst KSI wowed the 8,000 strong crowd with his latest single ‘Thick of it’.
Other performances included Craig David’s medley of hits which got the crowd up on their feet, Ella Henderson’s mash up of Alibi/ Filthy Rich as well as an exclusive performance, for one night only, from Cirque du Soleil’s CORTEO.
A touching moment from the night was a reading from legendary British actor Jason Isaacs alongside National Lottery-funded Taxi Charity for Military Veterans where the eight veterans, aged between 98 and 101, were welcomed on stage to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
Colin Mills, London Cab Driver and Chairman of the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans said, “The veterans who participated in The National Lottery’s Big Bash had been with us in Normandy this June for the 80th anniversary of D Day, where they received a wonderful welcome wherever they went. However, they were absolutely astonished and delighted by the reception they received at the OVO Arena and they can’t wait to sit with their families on New Year’s Eve to watch the show.”
The National Lottery’s Big Bash welcomed guests to a spectacular show that celebrated the big moments of 2024, as well as the extraordinary people who have been able to make a difference thanks to National Lottery funding.
The programme will air on ITV1 and ITVX on 31st December 17:45 – 19:45.
To find out more about the support the Taxi Charity offers to veterans or to donate visit www.taxicharity.org
About the National Lottery
The National Lottery is celebrating 30 years of changing lives. Since it launched, over 7,400 millionaires have been made and more than £50 billion has been raised for Good Causes with more than 700,000 individual grants awarded. This money supports our nation’s heritage, the arts and sport, as well as helping grassroots projects in every local community.
About the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans
The Taxi Charity is run by volunteer London black taxi drivers and has been supporting thousands of veterans since 1948. It is the only Forces charity that focuses on providing fun and entertainment and arranges free trips (for veterans from all conflicts) to the Netherlands and France for acts of commemoration and days out to museums, concerts, or social events across the UK.
The charity received the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2021 and celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2023, a remarkable milestone for a small, niche charity peopled by enthusiastic volunteers.
In 2024, the charity took veterans to Normandy for the 80th anniversary of D-Day and commemorated the 80th anniversary of Operation Market Garden in the Netherlands in September. In May 2025 they will be returning to the Netherlands for the 80th anniversary of Dutch Liberation.
To fund and facilitate their work, the charity is wholly reliant on donations, grants and sponsorship.
