Our Impact

We change children’s lives through creativity.

In 2025-26…

1609

children watched The Forest Door in their school, extending their emotional literacy and introducing and developing their understanding of theatre.

767

children and young people developed creativity, confidence and communication in their education settings through our Creative Learning programme.

454

children and families in our local community enjoyed free creative activities, including our school holiday programme with healthy meals and our other community projects.

Read our latest Impact Report (PDF, 1.9MB)
  • Two actors with arms outstretched and mouths open look out at an audience of school pupils sat in front of them. There is a colourful stage set behind them.

    "It was amazing to be honest."

    - School pupil watching The Forest Door

  • A pupil looks at a facilitator with their arms help up.

    "Pupils now put their hands up to share their stories who never did before."

    - Participant in Light Up Language

  • A member of Louder Than Words stands with arms outstretched holding two sticks with red material attached, which is flowing behind and around them.. They are wearing a red t-shirt with white stripes on the arms and black trousers..

    "Within the 4 months she has been part of the group, we’ve seen a shift in her confidence at school in particular where she dares more sharing her ideas and engaging with other children."

    - Parent of Louder Than Words member

  • A young boy wearing a black felt hat, a red clown nose, and a white polo shirt, smiling with outstretched arms in an indoor setting.

    “I am so much more confident…now people say I am very chatty in class.”

    - Participant in Light Up Language

  • A child wearing a yellow high vis jacket looks at and points at a bed of flowers with a member of the Travelling Light team crouching beside them.

    "It's been amazing, with such a big family this has helped me entertain and feed my children...without this group it wouldn't have been possible to do many things."

    - Parent at our Creative Holiday Sessions

  • Three young girls working on a craft project with paper and decorations in a nursery setting.

    “The children are using their imagination far more."

    - Nursery Practitioner, Early Years Setting

  • An actor sits on stage - they are wearing deer ears and a purple outfit, and reading letters from pupils.

    "Fantastic and very moving with a wonderful and important message."

    - Teacher on The Forest Door

  • Group of young people and a facilitator from Louder Than Words participating in an activity, with boy in the foreground standing wearing glasses, a white shirt, black trousers, and a tie.

    “When I have had a bad day at school, I come to Travelling Light and I feel happy again.”

    - Louder Than Words member

  • A group of children gathered outdoors, some wearing headscarves, engaging in conversation and laughter at night.

    “It’s made me feel really happy. Seeing the kids smiling. No one is seeing race or judgement - all are one big community."

    - Community member at Winter Lights

  • A woman in a beige hijab and brown dress with white floral patterns playing drums with two young people in the Travelling Light studio.

    “The Travelling Light and St Luke's sessions give me a feeling of safety and welcome.”

    - Local parent

  • 4 members of our Youth Theatre crouch on the floor looking towards the camera.

    "Travelling Light boosts my confidence. I have a lot of fun with my friends."

    - Youth Theatre member

Help us make a difference

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How We Make A Difference

Our Theory of Change

Travelling Light is working towards a world where every child’s imagination is inspired by theatre.

This means that children and young people…

  • Experience and share joy with others
  • Live in neighbourhoods that are vibrant and creative places
  • Have creativity at the heart of their development.
  • Engage with creative storytelling and play.
  • Share imaginative experiences that explore their feelings, ideas and place within the world.

Because they…

  • Experience theatre that is created with their stories at the heart.
  • Experience theatre in their communities.
  • Feel valued as individuals and artists.
  • Are at the centre of how work is planned, created and delivered.

To achieve this we create theatre with and for children and young people…

  • In our local community from our studio in Barton Hill, Bristol.
  • In schools and early years settings, supporting the cultural entitlement of hundreds of pupils per year.
  • That ‘travels light’ taking theatre to where children are, reaching children, young people and families who would not otherwise have the opportunity to experience theatre.
Download Our Theory of Change (PDF, 55KB)
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Stories

Featured
Youth Theatre performances to family and friends
Youth Theatre performances to family and friends

At the end of last term we had a joyful couple of evenings as our Youth Theatre groups all shared their performances with family and friends.

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Pilot tour of The Forest Door
Pilot tour of The Forest Door

Over the last two weeks, we have embarked on a short pilot tour of The Forest Door, visiting 7 primary schools in Bristol and reaching 1,609 children.

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Why Public Investment Matters - Travelling Light’s Impact in Bristol
Why Public Investment Matters - Travelling Light’s Impact in Bristol

In 2024-25, for every £1 Bristol City Council invested in Travelling Light’s work, we generated an additional £9.26 in grants, donations and earned income.

Read more →

Downloads

Download our latest Impact Report

2025-26 Impact Report (PDF, 1.9MB)

2024-25 Impact Report (PDF, 1.9MB)

2023-24 Impact Report (PDF, 1.9MB)

2022-23 Impact Report (PDF, 1.8MB)

2021-22 Impact Report (PDF, 1.8MB)

2020-21 Impact Report (PDF, 1.8MB)

The Forest Door Impact Report (PDF, 2.3MB)

Vixen Impact Report (PDF, 2MB)

Light Up School Learning Impact Report (PDF, 1.8MB)

Igloo Executive Summary Report (PDF, 0.5MB)