Since 2014 we have partnered with War Child UK, and their global ambassadors, to creatively direct a unique event, the ‘War Child Winter Wassail’. This flagship event is an opportunity for War Child to gather key donors together, to stage an immersive fundraising experience that has become known as the industry’s leading philanthropic event.

As integral partners from its creation to the extraordinary showcase it is now, The Events Mill has played a central role in developing the Wassail, being called upon for our creativity and skills in aesthetic design. Our task has been to elevate the guest experience, to deliver an impeccable dining concept and to always creatively honour the true essence of what a Wassail is — the coming together of friends.

It has been a true privilege to be known as ‘Wassailers,’ supporting the work of War Child and developing the ‘Winter Wassail’. Working alongside a charity that is very close to our hearts, bringing their global ambassadors Carey Mulligan and Marcus Mumford’s vision to life, is a constant pleasure.

Over the last twelve years, the Wassail has entertained guests in the form of a concert dinner and we’ve had the pleasure of working with artists including Rita Ora, Leon Bridges, James Bay, Phoebe Bridgers, St. Vincent, Blake Mills, Emeli Sandé, Jack Garratt, Liv Dawson, Mette, Stormzy, Sam Smith, Nicole Scherzinger, Mumford & Sons, Ellie Goulding, Gregory Porter, Keane, The National and Paloma Faith; performers include Daniel Craig, Ralph Fiennes, Benedict Cumberbatch, Oscar Isaac, Stanley Tucci, Jude Law, Emma Corrin, Paul Mescal, Jonathan Pryce, Gillian Anderson, Emma Thompson, Emily Blunt, Dawn French, Jodie Whittaker, Sienna Miller, Michael McIntyre, Mark Strong and Stephen Merchant. This extensive list displays both the prestige and reach the amazing work War Child extends.

The Events Mill has an integral creative and planning role, focusing on the aesthetics of the event, paying particular attention to guest experience from the moment they arrive at the venue. We have constantly innovated the experience since 2014, whilst maintaining the essence and heart of the event, providing a variety of support.

We open our little black book to support this event both on a pro-bono and at-cost level. Being able to use our network to support War Child is both a privilege and creative challenge, whilst innovating the event year-on-year. The Winter Wassail is no standard fundraising dinner, and the level of production required is more akin to a full show, which we embrace and can deliver every year.

In our creative role, we design the menu for the evening and deliver via our in-house catering service, The Events Meal. In the kitchen, throughout service and what is seen on the tables, is all curated by our team. It is this meal which supports the exciting, money-can’t-buy show that War Child provide to guests, before the true reason we’re all in the room, to pledge and raise vital funds for children.

This event is truly one of the most important in our portfolio and it’s a privilege to work with War Child.

Our concierge service is integral to the success of the Winter Wassail. The guest experience, their comfort and the exclusivity of the event must work in harmony, to create the impact for this fundraising experience to stand out in a crowded market. We focus on the small details to make a big difference, elevating our guests’ relaxation and joy through impeccable event management and front of house services.

We are committed to supporting this event and other fundraising initiatives at War Child, in an honest and transparent way. There is no better feeling than knowing that our small contribution has helped to raise funds for all children affected by war around the world. The War Child Winter Wassail has raised over £12m for children around the world since 2014. In 2025 it raised £4,064,639 in a single evening.