Did you know that our festive campaign is coming to the big screen and small? We want to ensure that little troopers across the UK and abroad can get involved with Christmas Smiles this year.

Louise, our charity founder, said, “Time apart is always hard for our families but at Christmas it is even harder. We have a programme of activities to bring Christmas Smiles to 1,000s of military children, no matter where they are.”

On the Big Screen

On the 21st December we are hosting free, exclusive cinema screenings of Paddington in Peru. The screenings will take place at ODEON cinemas in Andover, Chatham, Leeds, Hereford and Port Solent. Bookings for this event opened to our mailing list at the weekend and you can apply for your tickets here.

On the Small Screen

If you cannot make it to one of the participating cinemas, we have some great events that can be beamed into your own home. We are hosting an Elf Workshop and Pantomime. Here are all the details:

• 8th December: Cinderella Pantomime.
  • This classic Christmas tradition will be delivered by Panto Online. Cinderella (Lucy-Jane Quinlan) dreams of a different life. However, she is stuck at home with her father Baron Hardup (Ian Talbot) who has lost his fortune. Only Buttons (Henry Roadnight), the manservant and her best friend can make her laugh. With beautiful songs, spectacle and a barrel of laughs, this pantomime is a fairy tale for all the family. Bookings for the panto are open now and can be applied for here.
• 14th December: Elf workshop.
  • Continuing the fun, we invite you to meet ‘Elvin’ the spritely elf who is eager to spread some festive cheer! With Christmas fast approaching, Elvin is taking some well-earned time away from the North Pole to spend it with you, singing, dancing, playing games and exploring Christmas traditions! Join this 45-minute online session where your Little Trooper will virtually join other military children and the team at the Drama Hut to learn about the history of why we put up Christmas trees, go carol singing and build snowmen. You can book your place for the workshop here.

Louise adds, “ I truly hope you can join us for one of our Christmas Smiles screenings.”

Details and booking for all our Christmas Smiles events can be found here.