Spread a Smile Winter Party 2026 Roundup
https://spreadasmile.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Untitled-design-2026-02-19T151531.161.png 780 400 Gabrielle Devine Gabrielle Devine https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/4a8ad8f5a4f611a47e5400a8fca97d180c53f82e9c8469eedc196ecdb75924dd?s=96&d=mm&r=gOn Wednesday 18 February, we held our annual Winter Party – and what a brilliant day it was, filled with so much fun and so many smiles.
For the first time, we hosted the party during half-term to make sure even more families could join us. It was held at Protein Studios in Shoreditch – a bright, spacious venue that was the perfect setting for our fabulous winter celebration.
It was an incredible day which saw us welcome nearly 600 guests – seriously ill children and young people we support, along with their families. This very special event was packed with activities and entertainment, all run by the Spread a Smile team and over 92 brilliant volunteers, and were also delighted to welcome some of our Trustees to share in the magic of this very special day.
Our arts and crafts area was busy all day, with guests enjoying creative activities including beanie decorating, cup decorating and hands-on crafts. Slime workshops, delivered thanks to Slime Planet, were a huge hit, and the interactive floor games kept children of all ages entertained. We were also delighted to welcome Anna’s Animals, who brought along some beautiful creatures for our guests to meet. Children had the chance to hold a snake, cuddle a bunny and even hold a millipede!
For those with a competitive streak, there were plenty of games to enjoy, including an F1 racing simulator, a dance mat and arcade games. Thanks to Hasbro, we also had a fantastic range of games for all ages, from Connect 4 to Nerf. Our Spin to Win wheel gave guests the chance to win some amazing LEGO prizes, which proved extremely popular throughout the day.
For teens, parents and anyone looking for a moment to relax, our pamper corner offered aromatherapy and massage, along with professional make-up artists who took the time to connect with guests and help them feel their very best. And we had a fun photo booth that offered families the chance to capture special memories from the day.
Our entertainers kept the energy high with amazing magic shows and live singing from Frozen and Wicked. Huge thanks to KSS Stage & Sound for ensuring everything looked and sounded fantastic.
A parent who attended said:
“This year was especially meaningful for us, as it was the very first time that my son has been well enough to attend, he will be 4 this year. To see him able to join in, smile, and simply be a child in such a magical environment meant more to us than I can properly put into words.
What made the day even more special was your thoughtful inclusion of siblings. They so often carry emotional feelings quietly and take on more than anyone realises; giving them space to feel included, celebrated, and just as important is such a beautiful and compassionate touch. It did not go unnoticed.
The entertainers were absolutely amazing — every single one brought energy, warmth, and joy into the room. The bubble floor was pure magic, the slime station was a huge hit, and the atmosphere throughout was filled with laughter and excitement. You could see the genuine happiness on every child’s face.
We were also so grateful for the thoughtful dairy-free and vegan options. That level of care and consideration ensures that every child and family feels included, safe, and able to fully enjoy the day without worry.
The thought, dedication, and time that went into creating this event was simply perfect. Every detail was so clearly centred around the children — their joy, their comfort, their experience. That is what made it so incredibly special.
Thank you for the light you bring to families like ours. Without realising the small moments you create, makes such a big difference for us.“
We are incredibly proud to deliver days like this for the families we support. It was so special to see so many families relaxing, having fun, meeting the team and connecting with others. A heartfelt thank you to BC Partners for sponsoring the party, LMG for sponsoring our entertainers, and Derwent London for sponsoring the gifts for the day. Thank you also to Children’s Welfare and Research Foundation and Children with Cancer UK for your support and commitment.
Thank you to all of our friends, families and colleagues for joining us and making our Winter Party 2026 one to remember.
To help ensure we can continue to spread smiles to seriously ill children and young people, please donate today. Thank you.
Held over two floors, this very special family event was packed full of different stalls and activities for our VIP guests to enjoy, run by the Spread a Smile team and over 70 brilliant volunteers. There was something for everyone including gingerbread biscuit decorating, nail art, face painting, glitter tattoos, friendship bracelet making, arts and crafts, LEGO, plant pot decorating and more.
more. Guests also enjoyed the world premiere of the first ever Spread a Smile pantomime. (Oh yes they did!) Elsa from Frozen welcomed children to the stage for a dance and a sing-a-long and our Therapy Dogs Thomas and Smartie loved meeting guests.
volunteers for giving up their time to make the day possible and those who donated supplies, food and drink. Shout out to C. Hoare & Co, Hain Daniels, Hasbro, Lola’s Cupcakes, LMAC Group, Mildreds, Peel Hunt, Redstor, Sidekick Management, the LEGO Group and XTX Markets.
