A Bicester charity is set to inject some festive sparkle next month when it opens its doors for its annual Light the Light celebration.
The Hummingbird Centre is putting the finishing touches to its Christmas event, which takes place on Saturday, December 9, from 12 noon to 4.30pm.
A host of festive fun is planned at the cancer support centre in Station Road, Launton, near Bicester, and its outside courtyard, including performances by Launton Village Players and Bicester Military Wives Choir; and Father Christmas will be there throughout the day.
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Julia West, of Launton Village Players, said the cast would perform a mixture of well-known festive songs, family live music and other Christmas entertainment from 3pm, and promised “plenty of opportunity for audiences to join in.”
She said: “The Hummingbird plays such an important role in Launton and the surrounding area, and many of our members have benefited from their support, either for themselves or their close relatives and friends.
“We are so pleased to be able to support the Hummingbird Centre again, and feel very privileged to be invited back to be part of their Christmas event.”
Claire Reed, of Bicester Military Wives Choir, who have sung at a host of local events including the Platinum Jubilee celebrations, Armed Forces Day and Remembrance Day, will close the event performing at 4pm.
She said: “We love to sing together. We enjoy performing for events and always get lovely feedback from our audiences of how much they can see this, so please do come along and join us and have lots of festive fun.”
As well as the entertainment there will be about 20 stalls selling Christmas crafts and gifts, a tombola, bottle stall, raffle, games, and refreshments including mulled wine and cakes. Stalls are still available at £10, please contact events@thehummingbirdcentre.org.uk for further information.
CEO Renee Booth said: “We are delighted to be opening our doors once again this Christmas and invite you all to join us for some, or all, of the afternoon of Saturday, December 9.
“We have lots for visitors to see and do, as well as the wonderful live performances.
“After the disappointment of having to cancel our summer festival, combined with the impact of the cost-of-living crisis, our energy bill alone now stands at £12,000 a year.
“We do hope people will come along and support us and help raise funds to enable us to keep offering our essential services to people with cancer and their families across Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire.”
Ahead of the day Hummingbird Centre volunteers will carefully unwrap tiny hearts bearing the names of more than 3,000 loved ones which will be hung on two large Memory Trees.
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This story was written by Matthew Norman, he joined the team in 2022 as a Facebook community reporter.
Matthew covers Bicester and focuses on finding stories from diverse communities.
Get in touch with him by emailing: Matthew.norman@newsquest.co.uk
Follow him on Twitter: @OxMailMattN1
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