Inside Diamonds 2026

Champagne draping softened the room overhead, while red, white and blush poppies sat in simple clusters across the tables below. The Palladium was washed in warm red light as 1,400 women slowly filled the ballroom, greeting old friends, finding their seats and raising a glass to another year of Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend.

Inspired by the Year of the Horse, the evening celebrated the quiet kind of strength that keeps putting one foot in front of the other. It was a celebration of resilience, courage and the people who choose to walk beside us.

Returning favourites Andy Lee and Kris Smith once again had the room in stitches, while Michael Paynter had the audience swooning with an incredible tribute to John Farnham. Even Andy Lee couldn’t resist joining him on stage for a surprise vocal performance. Diamond Live kept the energy soaring, filling the dancefloor and taking the entertainment to another level.

The experience began well before guests took their seats. Outside the Palladium, the foyer was alive with conversation as friends reunited and photos were snapped on the red carpet. Guests wandered between colour analysis consultations, hair and make up touch ups, tarot card readings and market stalls, taking their time before the ballroom doors opened.

As always, the heart of the evening belonged to our Challenge families. Challenge mums Lynette and Allison shared their experience of receiving support during their children’s cancer treatment before finding themselves giving that same support back to other Challenge mums years later. Their story reflected the spirit of this year’s theme so beautifully. Strength is not always loud. Sometimes it is simply showing up for someone else.

It felt especially fitting when Lynette was named our 2026 Diamond of the Year. Accepting the award with warmth and humility, she dedicated the honour to her daughter, Jordyn, reminding everyone in the room why Diamonds has always been about so much more than one evening.

With beautiful fashion, heartfelt stories, memorable entertainment and a room full of women united by generosity, the 2026 Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend Gala Dinner was another reminder of what can happen when a community comes together, standing beside children with cancer and their families year after year.

Click here to see the full gallery of images from a night to remember.