Winter Wonderland in Harrow: Because Every Child Deserves the Magic

Donors: Harrow Council and the Department for Education. With additional support from Orley Farm School, DVS Foundation, and the Yoga Collective.

A Week of Rides, Warmth, and True Festive Spirit

Throughout the week, we welcomed 2,576 children through both day sessions for schools and evening sessions for families.

During the daytime sessions, 1,933 schoolchildren from 22 schools participated in a festive fairground experience filled with rides, crafts, inflatables, and the vibrant atmosphere of Winter Wonderland. Children attending during the day also enjoyed a Christmas roast dinner provided by the London Community Kitchen, while evening sessions included a packed meal, allowing families to focus on enjoying the experience together.

Alongside Winter Wonderland, the HAF Winter programme funded 17 holiday programmes, creating over 1,400 places for children and delivering more than 4,000 hot meals overall, including Winter Wonderland.

A space working for all families

One of the strongest messages we received was about giving children, who wouldn't normally get to experience this, a magical fun-filled experience.

As one parent shared:

"Being able to bring my children to the HAF Winter Wonderland has been an amazing experience. It was the first time they ever went on funfair rides, and seeing their excitement meant everything to me. This team are amazing. As a single mum, I can’t afford to take them to places like Winter Wonderland because my priority is always providing the basics for them. This opportunity gave my children memories they will never forget. Thank you so much.”

They also mentioned how much the experience has become part of their family’s festive tradition, with children looking forward to seeing familiar faces and making new friends each year.

Inclusive and welcoming, including a dedicated SEND night

A key aspect of this year’s event was ensuring that the experience felt welcoming for families who often feel judged or excluded in busy public spaces. In addition to the regular programme, we hosted a dedicated SEND night, providing families with a more supportive environment to enjoy the activities at their own pace.

Caroline from the Harrow Parent Carer Forum attended with families they support. She described the positive impact of the event:

“MAGNA has done a fabulous job. The inclusivity has created a relaxed atmosphere. It’s everything we need. Often, they go to places where they don’t feel included and feel judged. Here, they’re free, they’re included, and the kids have had the best time.”

This week did not run on festive vibes alone. It required careful planning and coordination, with a team dedicated to delivering energy and care throughout every session. A huge thank you to the MAGNA Group for creating a warm, joyful atmosphere all week long, even during rainy moments, and for maintaining a spirit of good humour and creativity that families could feel.

We are also grateful for the support of Harrow Council and the Department for Education through HAF funding, as well as local organisations, including Orley Farm School, DVS Foundation, and the UK Yoga Collective, for their contributions in making this magic moment for Harrow children this winter.

Thank you to everyone involved in making it happen!

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