Turning 30 is a milestone for everyone. But when you are a Brit award-winning, Pyramid stage headliner and national treasure like Stormzy, the stakes are that little bit higher.
But, oh, did he rise to the occasion on Friday (July 28) — an intimate meal with a few close friends this was not. Instead the rapper and singer took over The Biltmore Mayfair hotel to host The Mike Gala, a spin on New York’s Met Gala which nods to his real name Michael Omari. Cue the red carpet! Three-course supper! A casino! And a guestlist with a handful of surprises.
The turnout was spectacular as expected, and a melting pot of leaders from a number of fields. Front and centre was naturally the birthday boy, who was dapper in a Lanvin suit and Tiffany & Co. jewellery, as he waltzed around the ballroom and greeted good friends.
Fellow A-listers from the music business included Skepta, Tinie Tempah, Ghetts and Bugzy Malone as well as Little Simz, who shared a warm embrace with Stormzy in her Acne Studios look, and Alesha Dixon, who was spotted getting into the music after dinner.
Actors Damson Idris and Michael Ward also joined in the celebrations, while the sportier side of attendees were led by British sprinter Dina Asher-Smith, who sparkled in a floor length, crystal studded white gown, and former footballer-turned-coach Jermain Defoe, who was dapper in his black tie suit and Dior brooch.
There were a handful of surprise guests, too. Alison Hammond, of This Morning notoriety, arrived with her son Aiden in a chandelier-crystal sleeved zip-up denim dress. Louis Theroux, who interviewed Stormzy for his ‘Louis Theroux Interviews’ series last October year, was also present, alongside presenter Jonathan Ross and actor Danny Dyer.
There was cake, casino games and — as the party pictures attest to — one heck of a community to rally around Stormzy on the night. Here’s hoping he decides to make #TheMikeGala an annual affair.
