Back at the Natural History Museum 2025 with Switch It Up!
- Marina Simioni
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
A Night for Excellence- Natural History Museum Event
There are certain places that never lose their magic no matter how many times you return. As both the lead vocalist for our 6-piece band Switch It Up and the event co-ordinator for the evening, re-entering the halls of the Natural History Museum felt like coming home! Even during sound-check, hours before guests arrived, you could already feel the warmth and the buzz in the air. The production team were adjusting lights, caterers were prepping aperitivo stations, volunteers were finalising guest lists and the live auction team were laying out their final details. There was excitement in every corner.
The Cris Cancer Foundation evening began with a beautifully curated aperitivo, offering guests the chance to mix, catch up and enjoy a glass of champagne. From the very first moment the atmosphere felt open, warm and full of possibility. The guests mingled, there were smiles, there were tears and a sense of community binding everyone together.
Then, the live auction brought the energy to another level. Bids were flying, cheers filled the room and the generosity on display was so overwhelming. By the end of the night, an extraordinary £2.7 million had been raised. Gave me goosebumps!
Then came our moment. When Switch It Up took the stage. From our grand opening song “Thunderstruck” (an epic introduction, if I may say so!) to a setlist spanning iconic 80s classics right up to the current chart hits of 2025, we set out to give everyone something to dance to! Every single guest was on their feet. One of my favourite touches this year at The Natural History Museum was the LED bracelets handed to every guest. It added a whole new layer of atmosphere and energy to the performance.
Performing at the Natural History Museum is always special but this night felt different. Perhaps it was the stories shared earlier from cancer survivors and maybe it was the cause. Whatever it was, it reminded me exactly why I love both sides of what I do: organising meaningful events AND performing music that brings people together. And yes- our stage was set beneath the 25 metre skeleton of a blue whale named Hope. That’s about the length of a double-deck bus plus a small car!! Fun fact: She weighs around 4.5 tonnes, and she’s over 130 years old!
We’re beyond grateful to have been invited back to such a spectacular evening for the 4th year in a row. To everyone who danced, laughed, sang with us and helped raise an incredible £2.7 million- thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Here’s to more music, more impact and many more magical nights under the museum’s magnificent ceiling.
MSM Team & Switch It Up Band 🎶✨
