Christchurch Living Advent Calendar is a free event organised for the town by Christchurch Rotary Club, which is supported by Christchurch Town Council and BCP Council.

It is now in its fourth year and has raised more than £40,000 for local charities over the past two years.

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.

Each evening in December a different ‘door’ or ‘window’ is opened at 6pm to a 45 minute performance. Performances may include choirs, singers, bands, dance troupes, theatrical performers etc.