The NSPCC marks 40 years of Childline with a carol concert on the floor of St Paul’s Cathedral, and a gala dinner with celebrity guests in the crypt.
The NSPCC celebrates 40 years of Childline with a Christmas concert at St Paul’s Cathedral in the City of London on Thursday 17 December 2026. Dame Mary Berry, Hermione Norris and Alison Steadman appear.
Esther Rantzen launched Childline on 30 October 1986, and the line received 50,000 attempted calls. It now runs from 12 bases across the UK, and its helpline model has been copied in 150 countries.
Since 1986 Childline has delivered more than six million counselling sessions. On average, a child contacts it every 45 seconds.
Rantzen’s daughter, Rebecca Wilcox, was six when the service launched. She is now taking over from her mother to carry the service into its next decades.
The concert is held on the cathedral floor, with readings by well-known names and music from performers still to be announced.
Before it, the NSPCC hosts a reception and gala dinner in the crypt of St Paul’s, where guests dine with celebrity supporters.