Help Spread the Magic of Panto to Families Who Need it Most

Tuesday, 27 October 2026 at 05:30

Wiltshire Creative has launched its 2026 Christmas Appeal, Be A Star For Giving, to help ensure families facing hardship receive their share of festive joy.

Christmas is a time for stories, and there’s no story more magical than a pantomime at Salisbury Playhouse. But for too many local children, this story never begins. Around 30% of young people in Salisbury and South Wiltshire are growing up facing disadvantage. Many are cared-for children, receiving free school meals, or relying on charity support just to get by. For these families, a trip to the theatre can feel out of reach.

With your help, Wiltshire Creative is looking to gift 1000 tickets for Beauty and the Beast to those who would otherwise miss out on Christmas magic. And, thanks to some generous donors agreeing to match-fund, every pound donated will be doubled.

A pantomime isn’t just a show – it’s a spark. It's the pure joy and wonder a child feels as the curtain rises and the lights glow. It’s a memory that might last a lifetime. One local parent who received tickets through the 2025 Appeal told Wiltshire Creative: “It makes Christmas feel like Christmas. There is no way we could do this for our family without this kindness.”

The 2025 Wiltshire Creative Christmas Appeal raised around £ 32,000. More than 1,200 donations came from ticket purchases, events, and post-show bucket collections throughout the winter season.

This was transformed into 1,055 gifted panto tickets for people in the community facing real hardship: young carers, refugee families, children with disabilities, and families experiencing food, fuel and financial insecurity.

By partnering with local organisations such as Salisbury Pantry, Youth Action Wiltshire, Five Rivers Foster Care and many more, Wiltshire Creative will ensure tickets gifted through the 2026 Appeal reach those who need them most.

A £100 donation gives a group of young carers or fostered children a special day out and time away from worries. A £50 donation gives a local family living in poverty the chance to create happy memories together at the theatre. And £20 helps a child experience pantomime for the very first time. Every gift received helps a child’s world grow, from feeling left out to joining in.

You can donate online via the Wiltshire Creative website (www.wiltshirecreative.co.uk/support/christmas-appeal), by phone on 01722 320 333, or in person at the Salisbury Playhouse box office, open 10am - 4pm daily.