This evening marks the start of the Christchurch Living Advent Calendar in Saxon Square.
The first performance, sponsored by the Christchurch Charitable Trust in support of Macmillan Caring Locally, will see the Mayor of Christchurch in attendance.
On each of the 24 days there will be a performance by a different local talent in a different venue across the town centre.
More than 120 local businesses are supporting the initiative, which first took place in Sweden over 15 years ago and has been organised by Rotary Club in Christchurch. Last year, nearly £20,000 was raised for charity, and the aim is to raise more this year.
As in any advent calendar, the identity of the performers will be a surprise until the event. Performances are at 6:15pm every evening, until Christmas Eve, where there will be a special celebration to round up the advent calendar in Saxon Square starting at 2pm. Last year, performers included local musicians and bands, theatre groups, choirs and dance groups.
Charities for this year’s calendar include The Primrose Charitable Trust, the Christchurch Community Partnership, Ashley’s Birthday Bank, the Lewis Manning Hospice, the RNLI, Christchurch Cancer Research and the Dorset Children’s Fund.
For information about venues, sponsors and charities, visit: www.christchurchlivingadventcalendar.org.uk
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