PLANS ARE well underway for Christchurch’s festive Living Advent Calendar event in December 2021 – an event which had to be postponed from last year owing to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Rotary Club of Christchurch have been busy organising this year’s free event which celebrates the advent season as well as raising money for local charities.

The occasion will comprise of 24 days of charity pop-up performances, and is supported by Christchurch Town Council and BCP Council, and sponsorship from local businesses.

Rotarian Janet Banks, Chair of the CLAC organising group, said: “The idea for a Living Advent Calendar originated in Stockholm, with the first being held in 2005.

“Today, there are Living Advent Calendars in many towns in Sweden and other countries, with the first in UK being held in 2011 in Henley on Thames, where my husband and I used to live.

“Seeing how well it worked in Henley, we thought that the model would be ideal for Christchurch, as it showcases the local talent and the great work undertaken by charities and businesses locally, whilst raising significant sums for the charities.

“We will be delighted to hear from any performers, charities, businesses and venues who may be interested in getting involved – contact us by email to christchurchlivingadvent@gmail.com or via our website http://christchurchlivingadventcalendar.org.uk ”

The event will run daily from December 1 to December 24, with a different ‘door’ or ‘window’ being opened each evening in the town centre at 6.15pm for a 30-minute performance by a local performer or group of performers.

Performances may include choirs, singers, bands, dance troupes, individual musicians, or theatrical moments. All events will be subject to any coronavirus restrictions then in operation.

The charity involved on each evening will assist with stewarding and with taking the freewill collection to support its funds.

Freewill collections will be made, and raffle tickets sold, with the proceeds going to a different local charity each evening.

The venues and supported charities will be advertised to the community in advance, but the performers will not be revealed until each door or window opens, just as in a children’s Advent Calendar.

All funding is provided by sponsorship, and the entertainment and venues are provided free of charge.

A special, surprise Christmas Eve to close the event is planned for Saxon Square on Christmas Eve, commencing at 6.15pm.

Chris McClaverty, President of Christchurch Rotary for 2020/22, said: “When this idea was first mentioned at the Rotary Club, members offered immediate support, and the Club has put its back behind the project.

“Sadly, we could not run it in 2020, but we believe that it will now offer a prospect of hope and cheer for December 2021 after the grim period that we have all been through.

“It will help to foster community spirit while raising the profile of Christchurch performers, businesses, and charities alike. We are so grateful to all who have come forward to help, and welcome additional offers.”

The Rotary Club are look for additional venues in or near the town centre, performers and local charities that would like to participate and benefit.

If you are would like to find out more, contact the Christchurch Living Advent Calendar team on christchurchlivingadvent@gmail.com.