Where it all began…
As part of every grant we award, we ask charities to provide an impact report around 6–12 months after funding. Many projects run over several months and some involve multiple performances, activities, or workshops so it can take a little time to fully see the magic and impact the funding has created.
Our very first Banner Foundation project, funded in early 2025, will always hold a special place in our hearts.
Our funding helped Happy Days Children’s Charity bring immersive theatre performances to 144 children and young people across Swindon, Chippenham, Trowbridge, and Calne, with experiences specially adapted to suit their needs.
The performances included Cinderella, Dr Dolittle, and A Little Princess, complete with puppetry, interactive moments, and sensory-friendly experiences designed for children with autism, ADHD, epilepsy, leukaemia, SEMH needs, and other additional challenges.
The impact we helped create
For many of these children, accessing mainstream theatre simply isn’t possible.
By bringing live performances directly into familiar school environments, this project created safe, inclusive experiences where children could:
-Build confidence
-Improve communication and social skills
-Experience creativity and storytelling in a multi-sensory way
-Interact directly with live actors and performances
-Feel included in opportunities many children take for granted
But perhaps most importantly… it sparked imagination.
The impact lasted long after the curtain closed with schools sharing how the performances inspired excitement, conversation, creativity, and joy for days afterwards.
Because when a child’s imagination is stretched, something really special happens.
New ideas are formed. Confidence grows. Possibilities feel bigger. And that feeling can stay with a child forever.
Words that say it better than we ever could…
“The children laughed and smiled and talked about the show for days afterwards.”
“Allowing the theatre company to visit children in familiar surroundings promoted social inclusion while giving them the wonder of live arts.”
“Some of the children were able to take part in the performances themselves, helping improve confidence and creating a real sense of achievement.”
“The live performing arts experiences enabled the children to experience the wonder of a live multi-sensory opportunity which will improve their sensory awareness and social and communication skills. When you stretch a child’s imagination, it never returns to its original form.”
Ryan Sinclair
CEO of Happy Days
Looking back proudly
This was the very first project funded by the Banner Foundation and looking back now, it marked the beginning of something truly special. From one project… to now supporting hundreds of children and young people across the UK.
Find out more at
bannerfoundation.org.uk