From Margot Robbie to Olivia Colman, all the stars shone at Carey Mulligan’s Winter Gala for War Child, a night that blended festive warmth with a powerful mission. The event, hosted at London’s Lindley Hall, marked the 12th annual War Child Wassail and drew a crowd eager to support children affected by conflict. The goal was clear: raise funds to safeguard a hopeful future for every child living through war, and the night delivered with a remarkable £3.7 million (about $4.9 million) raised.
The evening was expertly hosted by Mo Gilligan and featured a lineup of musical performances from Hozier, Mumford & Sons, Myles Smith, and Sierra Ferrell. There were playful moments and surprises too, including readings from Olivia Colman and a cameo by Alan Carr, the Celebrity Traitors winner. Notable attendees included British Vogue cover star Margot Robbie, Emerald Fennell, and Gillian Anderson, who came out to support War Child’s life-changing work.
Ahead of the festivities, Mulligan reflected on a decade of commitment to War Child. She recalled her first trip with the charity in 2014 and the urgent need she witnessed, which inspired a quick, collaborative response from friends back home. Within around six weeks, the first wassail was organized. What began as an informal Christmas‑Carol concert—with Helena Bonham Carter reading lyrics to ‘Santa Baby’—has evolved into a beloved annual event, contributing more than £15 million (about $20 million) to help children caught in conflict.
During the evening, Mulligan shared a recent experience from Lebanon. She met Banine, a 17-year-old whose village had been destroyed by bombing. Through War Child’s psychosocial programs, Banine began to reclaim her education after trauma initially confined her to her room. Mulligan emphasized that War Child’s psychosocial work is world‑leading and transformative: the charity doesn’t merely make contact; it guides children through comprehensive programs with trained psychologists and educators. Banine herself appeared on stage to recount her story, underscoring the tangible impact of War Child’s initiatives.
Mulligan highlighted a troubling shift in the scope of conflict’s impact: when she started collaborating with War Child, 230 million children were affected by war; now the figure has surged to around 490 million. She pointed to programs spanning education, child protection, reunification, and mental health, all aimed at helping children not only survive conflict but rebuild their lives. Helen Pattinson, CEO of War Child UK, noted that last year the organization reached over two million children and their carers—far beyond the 70,000 reached a decade ago—illustrating the Wassail’s growing influence. For over 30 years, War Child has operated in some of the world’s most dangerous conflict zones, advocating for children’s rights, supporting education and mental health, and standing up for those in need. A key focus this year has been adapting War Child’s tablet-based learning to reach children in Gaza who have lost sight or limbs, a long‑term goal that last night’s fundraising brings closer to realization.
Mulligan encapsulated the night’s core message: a reminder of our luck in being born where we are, paired with a call to action—no one is powerless. There is always something constructive to do. The Wassail encapsulated this spirit, weaving hope, purpose, and a shared commitment to changing the lives of children living through conflict around the world.
