More Than 229,000 Kids Week 2015 Tickets Sold

Kids Week, the annual London theatre initiative run by Official London Theatre, the consumer brand for the Society of London Theatre, and supported by Ticketmaster, is celebrating another summer of record-breaking ticket sales.

Now in its 18th year, Kids Week 2015 sold 229,143 tickets for West End shows throughout the month of August marking a 30% year-on-year increase. On 16 June, 114,384 tickets were sold within the first 24 hours of the promotion. This year more shows than ever took part in Kids Week with 48 top London productions offering free tickets to children.

Kids Week is all about encouraging young people and their families to experience the magic of live theatre. During Kids Week a child aged 16 or under can go free to participating shows when accompanied by an adult paying full price. Up to two extra children's tickets can also be purchased at half price, per transaction. Children also enjoyed a fantastic range of free activities and workshops on stage and backstage at many of London's iconic theatres.

Julian Bird, Chief Executive of the Society of London Theatre, said: "We are delighted that Kids Week continues to grow in popularity, not just with audiences but also with theatre producers. More shows than ever took part in Kids Week 2015, demonstrating the theatre industry's commitment to ensuring theatre fans of all ages have the opportunity to experience the finest theatre London has to offer and are able to access seats at a range of prices. Many young people, via this initiative, will have visited the theatre for the first time this August and we hope this has sparked a lifelong love of the performing arts."

Andrew Parsons, Managing Director of Ticketmaster UK, said: "Kids Week is always a fantastic time of year in London and this year's has been no exception with thousands of kids around the country having the opportunity to experience London's West End."

For family-friendly theatre news and information throughout the year, sign up to Official London Theatre's Family Bulletin at officiallondontheatre.co.uk/newsletter/

Kids Week is one of many initiatives run by the Society of London Theatre, representing London's commercial and subsidised theatres. You can find out more about these initiatives and other ticket buying tips at bit.ly/TipsOLT.