Birmingham Hippodrome is calling on audience members and the public to help raise £45,000 to make the arts more accessible for young people across the West Midlands and inspire the next generation of creatives.

As part of The Big Give Christmas Challenge, the UK’s biggest collaborative match-funding campaign, every donation made online between midday Tuesday 2 December and midday Tuesday 9 December will be doubled thanks to support from the Hippodrome’s Big Give Champion, The Reed Educational Trust Ltd.

Funds raised will help expand Birmingham Hippodrome’s creative programmes for young people in schools, communities, and at the Hippodrome itself, giving thousands the chance to learn, perform and discover their potential through the arts.

Birmingham Hippodrome is an independent charity, and the donations will help nurture the next generation of artists, audiences and creative leaders. Through partnerships with local schools and community organisations, the Hippodrome ensures that young people have access to high-quality arts experiences that build skills, confidence and connection.

Money raised through The Big Give Christmas Challenge will help Birmingham Hippodrome to:

- Deepen the relationships with 30 partner schools and colleges across the Hippodrome Education Network (HEN), helping teachers integrate creativity into the curriculum, and positively impacting local young people’s wellbeing and skills development.

- Support the Hippodrome’s Youth Theatres, which provide high-quality theatre-making opportunities and bursary places for young people.

- Deliver artist-led creative workshops in community settings for 100 young people from different backgrounds.

- Expand the Hippodrome’s Young Advocates programme, a leadership initiative for 14–22 year olds offering mentoring, training and hands-on experience within the arts industry.

The Big Give Christmas Challenge 2025 launches at midday on Tuesday 2 December, and closes midday on Tuesday 9 December. Find out more and donate here: Inspiring Arts Opportunities for Young People – Big Give