Stratford Circus Arts Centre's FULL HEARTS FULL TUMMIES Returns

Following an amazing response which saw record donations last year Stratford Circus Arts Centre will run its Full Heart Full Tummies campaign again this year. The arts centre, and charity, is aiming to raise £12,000 to make Christmas a magical one for parents and children who may not otherwise be able to afford a family day out over the festive season.

Full Hearts, Full Tummies offers families tickets to a family show and a reception with a hot lunch, games and activities for just £1. This year, the show will be an adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler's classic picturebook The Gruffalo, which was a smash hit in the West End before touring. Last year, over 385 families in challenging circumstances benefited from the scheme, at a time when 2 in 5 children in Newham are living in poverty the scheme offers families an afternoon of fun and community at a time of year that can be challenging for many. The scheme was also supported by West Ham United FC which sent first team players down to surprise families at one of the lunchtime sessions.

Stratford Circus Arts Centre will be collaborating with children's centres, food banks and local charities to ensure they reach those most in need. For many children it will be their first experience of live performance, inspiring imaginations and making some magical Christmas memories. A representative from one of last year's participating children's centres said about the project:

"It allows families that do not have anyone to spend Christmas with or cannot afford to do something special with their children to feel part of the community"

One way in which local businesses are invited to support fundraising is by booking a table for a quiz evening hosted by Stratford Circus. This will take place as part The Big Give Christmas Challenge (27 Nov - 4 Dec) during which, all donations in the week will be doubled by The Childhood Trust.

The quiz will take place on Tuesday 27 November, on #GivingTuesday an international day of charitable giving. Tables for up to 6 can booked for £50, for details of how to take part contact Mia Gulati on mia@stratford-circus.com.

Speaking about Full Hearts Full Tummies, Stratford Circus Arts Centre's Director Tania Wilmer said, "Despite huge investment in the area in the lead up to and following the Olympics, over a third of children are still growing up in poverty. The arts are vital to nourishing young imaginations but if children are hungry they won't be able to fully enjoy the experience. We want to give families an opportunity to come together, try to park their worries for an afternoon, and make special memories with their children." This year, Stratford Circus hopes to raise enough funds to reach 600 children and families and is collecting donations in person or online at https://stratford-circus.com/donations/

Families will be invited to one of ten performances taking place between 12-20 December 2018.

Local businesses wishing to offer donations, support in kind, or organise a fundraising event are asked to contact mia@stratford-circus.com