About Us
Christchurch Living Advent Calendar is a new, free event organised for the town, which will run in December 2021. The event, organised by Christchurch Rotary Club, is supported by Christchurch Town Council and BCP Council.
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 Henley on Thames in 2011.
The model is ideal for Christchurch as it will showcase the local talent and great work undertaken by charities and businesses locally, whilst raising significant sums for those charities.
Due to government restrictions and social distancing, it may not be possible to organise a full 24-day Living Advent Calendar in 2020. However, we will endeavour to run a smaller number of ‘taster’ sessions this December, with the first full Living Advent Calendar taking place in December 2021.
We believe that such an event would be a real boost for local charities and businesses and will enhance the spirit of Christmas in the local community.
Pop-up Performances
The events run on different evenings in December, with a different ‘door’ or ‘window’ being opened each evening at 6.15pm to a 30 minute performance by a local talented performer or group of performers. Performances may include choirs, singers, bands, dance troupes, theatrical performers etc.
Visit a local venue
There is a different venue for each evening. Collections will be made and raffle tickets sold, with the proceeds going to a different predetermined local charity each evening.
Choose your day or charity
The venues and supported charities are advertised to the community in advance, but the performer (or performers) are not revealed until that door or window opens, just like in a children’s Advent Calendar.
Free festive entertainment
All funding is provided by sponsorship and the entertainment and venues are provided free of charge.