Hampstead Norreys counts down to Christmas with living advent calendar

For the first time ever, Hampstead Norreys residents are taking part in their own Living Advent Calendar.
Like a traditional advent calendar, every evening at the same time, a door or window around the village opens and everyone can watch a festive scene or performance.
The programme includes handbells, French carols, a play by Hampstead Norreys Youth Group, carols on the green, carol singing and mulled wine at the Community Shop and much more festive fun.
The event has been organised by villager Janet Carruzzo, who said: “Even though we are a small village, with only 800 inhabitants, we have 21 village organisations and a great community spirit.
“I thought it was a wonderful and magical way to get people together to celebrate Christmas.
“The events are sprinkled throughout the village to ensure everyone from all parts of the village can get involved. The turnout to the events has been amazing with up to 70 people turning up to each event each night and the performances have been so varied and very entertaining."
Villager Natalie Roberts said: “The short, daily events have proved a lovely way to invoke the spirit of Christmas and community with neighbours planning and rehearsing together. It has reminded us that we can spend time instead of money to be festive.
“Meeting up with and getting to know better those we live close to will have benefits that will last well after all the presents have been unwrapped and the decorations are all put away."
There are still lots of highlights to come, including a performance of The Nutcracker by Hampstead Norreys Book Club; a Christmas clarinet performance; Santa’s parade and, on Christmas Eve, a children’s Christingle Service in St Mary’s Church.