In celebration of National Panto Day, Foster for East Midlands extends a heartfelt thank you to local panto stars for supporting the drive to raise awareness about the urgent need for more foster carers in the community.
Fostering families across the East Midlands were treated to a number of free tickets for local pantomimes, providing an unforgettable experience filled with laughter, joy, and a touch of magic for both carers and children. Performances attended included Derby LIVE and Little Wolf’s Cinderella at Derby Arena, Aladdin at Mansfield Palace Theatre, and Cinderella at Nottingham Arts Theatre, presented by Spotlight Theatre.
Families enjoyed dazzling productions featuring breathtaking scenery, vibrant costumes, toe-tapping songs, and side-splitting humour brought to life by talented performers. For some foster children, this was their very first pantomime—a magical experience that many might take for granted.
Excited foster children’s comments included:
I loved it, it was so funny!
Big thumbs up! I loved the princess, she was so beautiful.
Sandra, a local foster carer who attended with her family, said:
Christmas can be a challenging time for children in care, so coming to the panto has been a wonderful distraction. Our family has been looking forward to this event, and we’ve had an amazing time together.
The pantomime casts further supported the fostering initiative by recording special social media videos, featuring empty seats to symbolise the need for more foster families. These videos highlight the community's responsibility to help children in need and encourage potential foster carers to get involved.
Morgan Brind, Little Wolf co-founder and award-winning panto dame, said:
Pantomime is such an integral part of the quality family time that makes Christmas so special, we’re delighted that so many fostering families have joined us at derby arena for Cinderella. It’s such an important cause. Thank you to Foster for East Midlands for all that you do!
Amanda Hall, Creative Director at Spotlight Theatre, said:
Spotlight Theatre is pleased to support Foster for East Midlands. We are grateful for the work they do for children in our community. Every child deserves a safe place to grow up. As a theatre school, we provide a safe environment where children can be creative and feel supported.
Sian Booth, Cultural Services Manager for Mansfield District Council said:
We were really thrilled to welcome Foster East Midlands. As a care experienced person and an advocate for children in care myself, I am so aware of how special moments like Christmas and time with loved ones are even more important. We wish them all a happy festive period.
Councillor Paul Hezelgrave, Lead Cabinet Member for Foster for East Midlands, said:
We are incredibly grateful to all the theatres for offering these wonderful opportunities to our fostering families. Experiences like this create lasting memories and remind us of the joy and connection that fostering brings. The children’s comments above speak volumes. This is a fantastic example of how communities can come together to support foster families and celebrate the magic of family life.
By becoming a foster carer, you could give children the chance to be part of a loving home and enjoy experiences they might never have had before. Be assured, you’ll be helped every step of the way by professionals and a network of more experienced foster carers.
To learn more about fostering with your local council and keeping children in their communities, visit Foster for East Midlandsands.org.uk, call 03033 132 950, or email hello@fosterforeastmidlands.org.uk.
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