History
Since 1981, Children’s World has been using creativity, play and performance to help children feel included, confident and inspired.
The Early Days
Children’s World was founded in 1981 by Arabella Churchill, granddaughter of Sir Winston Churchill, with a belief in the power of creativity to change children’s lives.
Based in Glastonbury, the charity began by delivering creative, educational workshops for children with special needs across the South West, alongside running the Glastonbury Children’s Festival for over 30 years.
As demand grew, Children’s World expanded into mainstream schools, developing inclusive workshops that brought children of all abilities together. By the late 1990s, the charity was working across the UK and internationally.
Children's World International
In 1999, Children’s World extended its work beyond the UK in response to a request from War Child, delivering creative workshops for children affected by the Kosovan conflict.
The charity went on to support children and communities in Albania, Kosovo, Sri Lanka and Thailand, using creativity, play and performance to help children process trauma, rebuild confidence and experience moments of joy in challenging circumstances.
In later years, Children’s World International was brought to a close to allow the charity to focus more deeply on its work within local communities across the UK. This decision strengthened the charity’s impact at home, while remaining rooted in the same values of inclusion, creativity and care.
Children's World Today
Today, Children’s World continues to build on its creative roots by delivering inclusive workshops, events and experiences that support children of all abilities to learn, express themselves and grow in confidence.
Alongside our workshop programme, we run vibrant family events that bring communities together, including our much-loved annual Family Festival. These events celebrate creativity, play and connection, creating welcoming spaces where children and families can take part, belong and have fun.
We also work in partnership with local organisations and creative practitioners, including exciting collaborations with groups such as Devito’s Circus. These partnerships help us reach new audiences and offer fresh, inspiring experiences, while keeping our work firmly situated in the local community.
As we move forward, Children’s World remains committed to using creativity as a powerful tool for inclusion, wellbeing and joy, continuing to evolve while staying true to the values that have shaped us since 1981.
The history of Sunny
Sunny, the much loved Children’s World mascot, was originally painted during the late 1970s in preparation for the charity’s launch. Although very little detailed documentation exists about Sunny’s early development, the character has remained a constant presence throughout the organisation’s journey.
Paragraph to go here about Sunny's look and presence In the future
The gallery here highlights Sunny’s original appearance alongside several interpretations that have appeared across different periods. Together they offer a visual timeline that celebrates how Sunny has grown alongside the charity while remaining a familiar and friendly companion for generations of visitors.
