Winning awards and celebrating our impact in Bristol

Published on 18 December 2024.

There’s lots to celebrate for Travelling Light as we come to the end of 2024 in Travelling Light’s 40th birthday year.

We’re delighted to have won a national award for our tour of Igloo.

Igloo won the Best Family Arts Activity award in the Fantastic for Families Awards, organised by the Family Arts Campaign.

Following performances at Bristol Old Vic in 2018 and a national tour in 2020, Igloo returned to tour children’s centres and community venues in January and February 2024. This time it was also accompanied by a play session and a picture book to encourage imaginative play at home.  

On the same day as winning the Fantastic for Families Award, we were presented with a High Sheriff’s Award for our work with the local community in Barton Hill during a celebration event for Travelling Light Friends and supporters.

We also shared our annual impact report, demonstrating the value of our work with children, young people and families last year, as well as celebrating reaching 1.25 million children since we were established 40 years ago.

Dienka Hines, Travelling Light's Chief Executive, said:

“Our new impact report shows the difference our work makes to the lives of children in our communities here in Bristol. It improves their confidence, supports their mental health and helps improve speaking and listening skills,” said Dienka Hines, 

"Schools and early years settings tell us how important it is to children’s learning and social and emotional development. We are grateful to our funders and supporters who help us reach children who wouldn’t otherwise access arts and culture with experiences that capture their imaginations, improve their wellbeing, and engage them in learning."

Travelling Light’s funders include Bristol City Council, a great example of the value of local authority investment in arts and culture in communities.

Dienka continues, “last year (2023-24) our grant from Bristol City Council generated £8.30 in grants, donations and earned income for every £1 the council invested, helping us to reach children in seven of the most deprived areas in the city, particularly families and communities in the Barton Hill and Lawrence Hill wards, where Travelling Light is based.”

Councillor Tony Dyer, Leader of Bristol City Council, said:

“Through our Cultural Investment Programme we continue to provide funding that supports local organisations and individuals to deliver arts and culture activities, events or festivals. Our current funding programme runs until 2027, helping Bristol’s unique arts and culture scene to thrive in what continues to be a challenging environment.

“Congratulations to Travelling light in winning this award and being recognised for bringing the experience of the theatre to so many children across Bristol and the country. They are a great example of how investment from the council is enabling organisations to make arts and culture accessible for all, reaching many more people with their creative programmes and engagement.”

Thanks to all our funders, Friends and supporters who help us continue to reach children and young people with theatre and creative activities that inspire their imaginations.

Visit our supporters page to find out more about our funders and Travelling Light Friends. 

Would you like to support our work with children and young people? Find out more about how you can suppport us and sign up to be a Travelling Light Friend.