Stars Shine at Carey Mulligan’s War Child Winter Gala

The air in London’s Lindley Hall was thick with more than just the usual winter chill this past December. It was charged with a potent mixture of high-stakes philanthropy and raw, acoustic melodies. For over a decade, Academy Award nominee Carey Mulligan and her husband, Mumford & Sons frontman Marcus Mumford, have turned their annual Winter Wassail into the crown jewel of the charity circuit. This year’s 12th annual gala wasn't just another black-tie affair; it was a record-breaking evening that saw the intersection of Hollywood royalty, music legends, and a shared, desperate urgency to protect the world's most vulnerable children. By the time the final candle was extinguished, the event had raised a staggering £3.7 million ($4.9 million) for War Child.

The guest list for the 2024–2025 cycle read like a "who’s who" of the entertainment industry, but without the typical vanity of a red carpet. Mulligan has long been praised for keeping the event intimate and "un-corporate," a feat she achieved again this year by filling the room with close peers and genuine supporters. Among the notable attendees were Margot Robbie, who made a rare, elegant appearance to lend her global profile to the cause, and Gillian Anderson, a longtime friend of the arts and humanitarian efforts. Olivia Colman did more than just attend; the beloved actress took to the stage for a surprise reading that left the room in pin-drop silence.

Adding to the heavy hitters in the room, Alan Carr provided a touch of levity, while fashion icon Anna Wintour and legendary director Steven Spielberg maintained their roles as consistent supporters of Mulligan and Mumford’s humanitarian vision. The atmosphere was one of collective purpose rather than individual promotion, a hallmark of the Winter Wassail that keeps these A-list names returning year after year.

While the guests provided the glamour, the performers provided the soul. The Winter Wassail is famous for its "musical chairs" style of collaboration, where some of the world’s biggest artists perform stripped-back, often acoustic sets. The evening was expertly emceed by comedian Mo Gilligan, who navigated the delicate balance between the gala's festive atmosphere and the gravity of War Child’s mission. The musical lineup featured Hozier, whose hauntingly beautiful set left the audience spellbound. Known for his own activism, Hozier’s presence was a highlight for many, with social media buzzing over the rare, intimate nature of the performance.

Co-hosts Mumford & Sons performed a set of their hits, reminding everyone of the folk-rock roots that started this benefit over a decade ago. They were joined by the likes of Sierra Ferrell and Myles Smith, representing the new vanguard of folk and soul. These artists brought a fresh energy to the hall, performing to a rapt audience that included some of the biggest executives in the music and film industries.

The 12th annual gala arrived at a time of unprecedented global conflict. Carey Mulligan, a Global Ambassador for War Child UK since 2014, used her platform to address the current crises in Gaza, Ukraine, and beyond. In a poignant moment during the evening, Mulligan spoke about her recent visit to conflict zones, emphasizing that the children supported by War Child are "not numbers on a page." Her brother, Owain, who served in Afghanistan, was the original catalyst for her involvement with the charity, and that personal connection remains the heartbeat of her advocacy.

The funds raised—a record-breaking £3.7 million—are earmarked for War Child’s "Return Every Child" campaign. This initiative is specifically designed to rebuild education by providing resources and safe learning spaces in Iraq and Afghanistan, and to fund vital psychosocial support for children suffering from the trauma of war in Gaza and Ukraine. The money also goes toward immediate basic necessities, delivering food, blankets, and emergency aid to displaced families who have lost everything.

For those unfamiliar with the term, a "Wassail" is an ancient English tradition of drinking to the health of trees to ensure a good harvest. Mulligan and Mumford have reclaimed this concept, turning it into a "harvest of hope" for children whose lives have been torn apart by war. The decor inside Lindley Hall reflected this, featuring ceiling-high steel frames draped in lush foliage and reactive LED screens that welcomed guests by name—a blend of technology and nature that felt both modern and timeless.

While the Winter Gala is an invite-only event, the mission continues year-round. Mulligan continues to champion digital auctions and public awareness campaigns, previously featuring items like exclusive film memorabilia and "Royal Tea Parties" with stars of The Crown. As the night ended, the message was clear: while the stars may have gathered for a gala, the focus remained steadfastly on the children who couldn't be there. As Mulligan told the crowd, recovery is possible with the right resources, and the night's generosity ensured those resources would reach those who need them most.

Source - https://www.vogue.co.uk/gallery/carey-mulligan-winter-wassail-war-child

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