Carey Mulligan raises $480,000 at inaugural War Child fundraiser

Actress Carey Mulligan helped raise $480,000 as the host of the inaugural War Child Winter Wassail fundraiser.

The Great Gatsby star was assisted by her folk singer husband Marcus Mumford at the star-studded charity event in London on Thursday (27Nov14).

A number of artists gave readings and performances at the event including actors Helena Bonham Carter and Michael Sheen, and singers Emeli Sande and Ellie Goulding, as well as stars of London's National Theater group.

Mulligan, who was named a Global Ambassador for War Child UK in September (14), tells the London Evening Standard newspaper, "We started by asking our friends and once The National (Theater) were on board everyone else said yes straight away as they wanted to see them. It was like a variety show - it was unbelievable. This is something we want to do annually."

War Child raises money to support children in conflict-ravaged countries.