CHRISTCHURCH is to come to life this Christmas with daily festive performances throughout December as part of the town’s first Living Advent Calendar.

Details have been released about Christchurch’s inaugural Christmas event, which was due to be held last year but was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The town’s new festive celebration, organised by volunteers led by the Rotary Club of Christchurch, was launched on Wednesday, October 27.

President of Christchurch Rotary Marianne Abley said: “When this idea was first mentioned at the Rotary Club by Jan Banks, now chair of the organising committee, members offered immediate support.

“Now with Christmas fast approaching we really believe that after the last 18 months, this will be a true celebration of hope and cheer, a boost we all need.

“We’re so grateful to all who have helped so far, given up their time and volunteered to make this happen; we can’t wait, and are on countdown to the December 1.”

Bournemouth Echo: The Mayor of Christchurch, Cllr. Sue Bungey, thanked the Christchurch Living Advent Calendar organisers

Christchurch will be celebrating the countdown to Christmas by showcasing 24 different local talents at 24 pop-up venues in the town whilst supporting 24 different regional charities.

Among the 24 confirmed venues are Druitt Hall, the Red House Museum Garden, Ye Olde George Inn and the Boathouse restaurant, with money being raised for Dorset Children’s Foundation, Julia’s House and the Christchurch Community Partnership among others.

Mayor Councillor Sue Bungey commended the team for all the work involved in setting up this complex event, and pledged continuing support from the town council.

Bournemouth Echo: The Chairman of BCP Council, Cllr. Nigel Hedges, pledges his continued support for the Christchurch Living Advent Calendar

Cllr Nigel Hedges, chairman of the BCP Council, said the authority would back the event.

Originally a concept created over fifteen years ago in Stockholm, Christchurch’s pop-up living advent calendar will run daily from Wednesday, December 1, to Thursday, December 24.

Each evening at 6.15pm a different ‘door’ or ‘window’ at a town centre venue will be opened to reveal a 30-minute performance which could be by choirs, bands, dance troupes, or theatrical groups

To-date more than 36 companies and local businesses are backing the event.

Tim Lloyd from The Captain’s Club Hotel, another confirmed venue, said: “We are so pleased to be taking part in this fantastic community Christmas event.

"It’s the perfect mix of festive magic whilst also showcasing everything on offer here in Christchurch – hotels, venues, eateries and of course talent.”