Don’t miss the live nativity
Henley Festival dates revealed
ON SUNDAY, visitors to Wokingham will be transported back to the first century and the events of the very first Christmas.
The annual Living Advent Calendar is coming to its festive climax and, as tradition now dictates, the Sunday before the Sunday before Christmas is the live nativity.
As with previous years, a cast of local actors have been working hard to bring a contemporary take on the age-old story of a young mum-to-be, her husband, and their journey on a donkey.
The event takes place from 4pm in Howard Palmer Gardens, behind the Cockpit Lane car park.
Visitors are invited to bring their torches and their friends for the event, which is being presented by Theatresmith productions and sponsored by Churches Together in Wokingham and Wokingham Town Council.
Organisers are being tight-lipped about what to expect, but if it's anything like previous years there will be live animals to greet and a thought-provoking celebration of Christmas.
The event is one of several taking place across the next week as the town counts down to Christmas Day.
The Living Advent Calendar sees a different artistic performance at a Wokingham venue from 6pm on weekdays and 4pm at weekends.
Cllr Gwynneth Hewetson, who champions the Wokingham Living Advent Calendar, said that the the event started in Europe.
“The idea originally came from Stockholm in Sweden,” she said. “Henley brought it to the UK and the following year Wokingham Town Council commissioned them to share their organisational guidelines.
“Our Live Nativity play is always really popular and it's a fantastic way to get children involved in the Living Advent Calendar and see a live performance.
“We have different theatre groups organising it each year.
“This year Theatresmith Productions led by Nicola Allpress has devised the performance.
“I’m told it will involve professional scenery transported from London. Do come along with family and friends.”
For more deatils or to find out the venues, visit the Living Advent Calendar's Facebook page @wokinghamadvent or follow @lovewokingham on Twitter. SUMMER may seem like a long way off, but the dates for next year’s Henley Festival have been revealed.
The riverside festival, which has attracted headliners including Elton John,
Will Young and the
Pet Shop Boys in previous years, will return to Henley-onThames from Wednesday, July
11 to Sunday, July 15, 2018.
Some of the biggest names in music and comedy will entertain black-tie revellers at the glamorous boutique festival, while Michelinstarred food will be served and Turner prizewinning artworks will be on display.
The lineup for next year’s festival will be announced in January, with tickets going on sale at the start of February.
As ever, we will bring you updates on the latest announcements throughout the year.