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The 5^th Living Advent kicked off in Market Place last night. Festivities started early, with the children of Badgemore Primary treating the gathering audience to a delightful performance of some classic festive tunes. Millie’s Dream was the charity (the first of twenty across the month) being collected for on the night, and trustee Sarah Roberts talked to audience about the work the charity does.

At 6:15 p.m, Mayor Lorraine Hillier led the crowd in a count down to the opening of the Town Hall doors by Living Advent Trust Chair Richard Rodway. Sam Brown and the People's Ukulele Brigade emerged, greeted by a guard of honour from the Henley Girl Guides who were partners for the evening and who had already served the audience with home-made mince pies and other baked goodies.

Sam and the brigade treated the crowd to a fun and fantastic set with tunes ranging from “the Bare Necessities” to “Winter Wonderland”, via “Happy Together”, “Ho Hey” and “Bring Me Sunshine” amongst others.

A big thanks also to Active VIII Henley Physiotherapy Centre (massage voucher) and Bagatelle toys (Where’s Wally Puzzle), who kindly provided raffle prizes for the evening, which also included a bottle of Prosecco. Millie and the Girl Guides helped Richard Rodway draw the lucky winning tickets. All proceeds raised go to Millie’s Dream.

Thanks to everyone who came and have already shared their images on social media, creating some ongoing festive cheer on-line, not just on the night.

Next up….we're at the Regal Picturehouse for something a little different, the screening of a bespoke film made especially for the Living Advent. Strada will be kindly partnering and providing refreshments. Seats and tickets are limited, so arrive early to avoid disappointment, but no one misses out, since if you do not make the cut at the cinema, you will be ushered towards the Hotel du Vin who have kindly agreed to let us erect a second outdoor screen in the Courtyard for some outdoor cinema! Another first for the Henley Living Advent!