The Dream Factory Santa’s Grotto
North Chingford Assembly Hall
This Christmas, North Chingford Assembly Hall is being transformed into a festive wonderland for the Love Chingford Christmas Market.
Join us for a magical day filled with shopping, entertainment and family fun, right in the heart of Chingford.
The market features a wide variety of local traders offering unique gifts, handmade crafts, and festive treats, plus delicious food and drink, live performances and community entertainment.
The highlight is Santa’s Grotto where children can meet Father Christmas, receive a special gift and take part in a wonderful bundle of festive activities.
Tickets are just £10 per child and must be booked in advance to secure your place. All proceeds from stallholders and the grotto will be donated to The Dream Factory.
Our Christmas Draw
Our Christmas Draw is here – win a huge bundle of festive gifts, including a luxury 7-night holiday for two in Cyprus
You could win:
A 7-night stay for 2 at the 4 Star Constantinou Bros Athena Beach Hotel in Paphos (flights included). A stunning selection of home, lifestyle, food & drink, kidult, budget and splurge gifts from brands like LEGO®, Ruggable, Morphy Richards, Cricut, Virgin Wines, Baylis & Harding, Bird & Blend Tea Co. And many more!
Entries close: Sunday 30th November 2025 at 6pm. Winner announced: Friday 5th December 2025. Entry: £6 per ticket (includes platform fee). Free postal entry also available – see full Terms for details.
Every entry supports The Dream Factory. Enter now and make this Christmas truly magical
In partnership with Ideal Home Show Christmas, The Big Christmas Press Show, Constantinou Bros Hotels and A Noble Gift.
Latest News
Olivia’s Dream
13-year-old Olivia was diagnosed with Leukaemia.
Olivia loves Husky Dogs and her dream was to have a up and close experience with them.
With the help of the wonderful Eagle Heights we were able to arrange a Husky experience and a day that Olivia and her family will cherish forever.
Isla’s Dream
13 year old Isla was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma. Isla’s dream was to visit Scarefest at Alton Towers. Please read Isla’s story written by her mum
Isobel’s Dream
11-year-old Isobel was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia.
Isobel’s dream was to enjoy a VIP experience at The O2 to see Katy Perry. Isobel had a wonderful hotel stay and lunch and watched Katy Perry from a special VIP box at the O2 which was kindly donated by me-engineers.
Sabiah’s Dream
20-year-old Sabiah was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Her dream was to enjoy a VIP experience in London, and thanks to the kindness and generosity of several amazing supporters, that dream became a reality.
So Proud of our Ambassador, Isaac
Our Ambassador and former Dream Recipient Isaac, continues to excel and inspire, now as an international speaker in Hong Kong. We granted Isaac’s dream, a helicopter flight back in 2008. Here are a few words from Isaac about his experience in Hong Kong :
A Spooktacular Scary Halloween Walk
Over 350 people came out in the appalling weather and braved our Scary Halloween Walk to support this successful fundraising event, what an amazing turnout. Watch our video to see the Scary Walk in action.
Urgent Appeal
For seventeen years, The Dream Factory has been dedicated to granting dreams to young people who are most in need. Thanks to your support, we have brought joy and hope to nearly 750 young people and their families during some of the most challenging times.
But today, we face an urgent challenge. The current economic climate has significantly impacted our funding, and without financial support we are at risk of being unable to continue our vital work.
We currently have 40 dreams on our waiting list. Please help us to keep those dreams alive.
Your donation, no matter the size, will make an immediate and tangible difference. Please act today to help us continue granting dreams for incredible, brave children and young adults.
Avril Mills BEM, Founder and Trustee
Interview on BBC Radio
A message
Videos
A message from our patron, Michael Watson MBE
Our Ambassadors singing Sweet Caroline, at our Ambassadors’ Lunch, January 2023