A LIVING advent calendar – featuring one-hour performances each day in the run-up to Christmas – is set to return to Christchurch this year.

Following last year’s successful event, the Christchurch Living Advent Calendar (CLAC) will run from December 1 to 24, at venues around the town.

Organised by Christchurch Rotary Club and volunteers, and supported by Christchurch Town and BCP Councils, has raised £41,000 for charities in the last two years.

The idea behind the living advent calendar is that a ‘door’ or ‘window’ is opened each day, revealing a talented artiste or group of performers, who put on a show for watchers.

Performances may include choirs, singers, bands, dance troupes, or theatre.

In previous years, each evening event has lasted for only 30 minutes. This year, however, organisers said in response to popular demand, each evening event will be extended to one hour, starting at 6pm and finishing at 7pm, 2pm to 3pm on Christmas Eve.

“There is a different venue for each evening,” a spokesperson said. “Collections will be made, and raffle tickets sold, with the proceeds going directly to a local charity.

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

“This community event brings the spirit of Christmas to Christchurch in a big way.”

Venues and supported charities will be advertised in advance, but the identity of the performer is not revealed until the day of the event, just as in a children’s advent calendar.

For more information, log on to the CLAC website at christchurchlivingadventcalendar.org.uk.