Bringing Christmas to life in Stratford!

EVENT 01/12/2019 – 24/12/2019

Countdown the days to Christmas with the first-ever Living Advent Calendar in Stratford-upon-Avon! Produced by Fred Theatre, we’re proudly supporting this festive celebration of the arts which will see shop fronts transformed into the windows of the Living Advent Calendar.

From carolling choirs to Christmas characters brought to life (and maybe even a fire-breather!) you can join us in celebrating the festive season at 4pm and 6pm every day from 1-23 December. Finishing with a finale on Christmas Eve at 4pm when children from across the town will bring together their homemade figures to create a nativity scene in Bell Court.

Performances and locations will vary and will be suitable for all ages. For more information, please visit The Hub in Bell Court (located off the main square opposite Balou, open 12 noon – 7pm) or www.lac.stratford.christmas.

Lit up for Christmas at Bell Court

This weekend we welcomed the festive season with our annual Christmas Light Switch On, filling Bell Court with twinkling lights.

Everyone who joined us for the big moment got to see Father Christmas himself turning on the lights with the help of Charlie Davies, winner of the Stratforward Make a Wish Competition, after they enjoyed a carriage ride around the town.

Throughout the day, visitors enjoyed carols and Christmas tunes from Birmingham Brass Band, Omnium Gatherum Choir and Two Tone, as well as tucking into free hot chestnuts.

We hope you enjoyed the start of Christmas at Bell Court and don’t forget to share your photos on our Facebook (Bell Court Stratford), Twitter (@BellCourtLife) and Instagram (@bellcourtstratford) pages!

Birmingham Brass Band playing
Pictured ar Birmingham Brass Band starting the day’s festivities. Photo by David Fawbert.
Man handing our hot chestnuts
Pictured is a visitor enjoying free hot chestnuts. Photo by David Fawbert.
Omnium Gatherum choir singing
Pictured is Omnium Gatherum choir singing to the crowds moments before the switch on. Photo by David Fawbert.
Charlie and Father Christmas after switch on the lights
Pictured is competition winner Charlie Davies with Father Christmas after switching on the lights. Photo by David Fawbert.
Crowds enjoying the Christmas lights
Pictured is the crowds enjoying the lights after the big switch on. Photo by David Fawbert.
Two Tone Acoustic playing
Pictured is Two Tone Acoustic playing upbeat tunes to close the day. Photo by David Fawbert.
Visitors enjoying the Christmas lights
Pictured are visitors enjoying the lights after the switch on. Photo by David Fawbert.

Counting down to Christmas at Jingle Bell Court

‘Tis almost the season and we are counting down the days to Christmas in style; with Father Christmas, festive performances and a magical display of lights.

On Saturday 16 November, we are hosting a free extravaganza between 2pm and 7pm, which will be jam packed with festive fun for the whole family.

There will be the Omnium Gatherum choir singing carols, a brass band playing everyone’s favourite Christmas tunes, music from Two Tone to entertain the crowds, a fantastic performance from Rozie T Dance Academy and free hot chestnuts throughout the event which you can enjoy with a mug of mulled wine.

If all that wasn’t enough, this year’s grotto at Magic Alley – where Father Christmas is in residence until Christmas Eve, will be in full festive swing from Sunday 17 November.

14:00 Birmingham Brass Band
16:00 Rozie T Dance Academy Performance
16:30 Omnium Gatherum Choir
16:45 The big switch on!
17:00 Omnium Gatherum Choir
18:00 Two Tone