Living advent calendar is returning ‘bigger and better’ Christchurch centre this Christmas thanks to Christchurch Rotary Club

A LIVING advent calendar is returning “bigger and better” for the festive season in the centre of Christchurch.

Following last year’s success, the free-to-attend event will run in the town throughout December. Launched two years ago, it has raised more than £40,000 for local charities so far.

Organised by Christchurch Rotary Club, the calendar will showcase local talent, charities and businesses.

The idea for a living advent calendar originated in Stockholm in 2005 and has since spread throughout Europe with the first held in the UK in 2011.

Christchurch Living Advent Calendar has proved popular with local residents and visitors over the festive season.

It is supported by BCP and Christchurch Town Council who, as the A&T revealed, have promised “Christmas is not cancelled” after it was announced that BCP would no longer be funding lights and a tree for the town.

The town council has promised there will be lights and a tree, and the Christmas advent calendar will only add to the festive fun.

Starting on 1st December it will run until Christmas Eve with a different ‘door’ or ‘window’ opened each evening as live music is performed.

Last year there were appearances by local choirs, singers, bands, dance troupes and theatre groups.

Each evening’s opening will last an hour, beginning at 6pm, with Christmas Eve’s at 3pm.

A spokesperson for Rotary said: “This event brings the spirit of Christmas to Christchurch in a big way.”

The venues and supported charities will be advertised to the community in advance, but the identity of the performer, or performers is not revealed until the day of the event.

Charity collections will be taken and there will also be a raffle, with the proceeds going directly to a different local charity each day.

For more information visit: christchurchlivingadventcalendar.org.uk