On June 20th, the Financial Times celebrated its 125th anniversary with an exclusive party in London. Hosted by FT Group CEO John Ridding and FT editor Lionel Barber, the party attracted more than 300 leaders in politics, finance, business, luxury and media.

Against the magnificent backdrop of the City of London, FT’s original stomping ground, guests were treated to an evening laced with elements from the FT’s heritage. Features included everything from paper boys and illustrations of printing presses to tablets with the FT’s award-winning web app.

Lionel Barber addressed guests, saying: “What makes me most proud as editor of the FT is our commitment to quality journalism. Quality journalism in the age of Leveson is a cause worth defending, even if today it is increasingly challenged. Quality journalism is an arduous, costly enterprise. It requires investment in people and technology. And it is craft; a vocation not merely a profession.”

Guests were served Moët & Chandon and bespoke canapés whilst listening to a jazz trio, leaving with goody bags filled with luxury gifts including Lunch with the FT: 52 Classic Interviews, published in celebration of the 125th anniversary.

Attendees included John Fallon, CEO, Pearson; Dame Marjorie Scardino; Rt Hon Dr Vince Cable; Ed Miliband, Leader of the Labour Party; Stephen Hester, CEO, RBS; Baroness Martha Lane Fox, UK Digital Champion; Andrew Neil, BBC Daily Politics presenter; Ozwald Boateng, fashion designer; HE Pasquale Terracciano, Italian ambassador and Will Hutton, political writer.

Photos are available on flickr.