Day Eight

Our Big Give Christmas Challenge has now come to a close and the generosity of our donors made a terrific difference to our students.

To everyone who donated, engaged with our Eight Days of Christmas series, or helped spread the word – thank you. Your generosity and enthusiasm have made this year’s campaign truly exceptional. 

Our community’s support was immediate and inspiring. Within just three hours of the campaign’s launch, we reached our initial target of £127,000. In response, a group of very generous supporters stepped forward to create an additional pot of matched funding.

In total, 127 donors have helped us raise £207,896. The remarkable breadth of those who support us reflects not only how far-reaching the Guildhall community is, but also how deeply the arts continue to inspire and influence people from across society. 

The funds raised this week will go directly towards scholarships for students in 2026/27. We remain committed to offering support that allows students to focus wholeheartedly on their training, their artistry, and their futures, without the worry of financial constraints. Your gift provides them with the best opportunity to thrive in the creative industries. 

We invite you to experience the full Eight Days of Christmas series and marvel at the diversity, creativity, and ambition that defines a Guildhall School education. This year’s series has featured the journeys of scholarship-holding students and alumni – powerful examples of what can be accomplished when financial barriers are removed. Thanks to the support we have received this past week, you have given the next intake of Guildhall students that same freedom. It is incredibly exciting to imagine what well-supported and well-funded students will go on to achieve.  
 
Professor Jonathan Vaughan sends a personal thank you everyone who made the 2025 Big Give Christmas Challenge such a success.