Hft’s Coming of Christmas

Join us in the historic Dorchester Abbey for this much loved festive event. The beautiful Abbey will be bathed in the glow of over 1,000 tea lights, as we enjoy festive music performed by the superb Choir of Magdalen College Oxford - conducted by Mark Williams - and some wonderful readings. Mulled wine and mince pies will be served in the Abbey after the concert.

This year we are delighted to announce that Juliet Stevenson, CBE* and actor Michael Pennington* have again consented to join us as guest readers. We are very pleased to welcome them both back to this celebratory event. 

Juliet is best known for her leading role in 1991 film Truly, Madly, Deeply and her roles in Emma, Bend It Like Beckham and Mona Lisa Smile; as well as her recent starring role in TV drama Retribution. Recent and upcoming theatre appearances include Mary Stuart, Hamlet and Wings. Michael has played most of the major Shakespeare roles for the RSC and for his own English Shakespeare Company. His TV and film credits include Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, State of Play and Waking the Dead.

All proceeds from the event will be split between Hft South Oxfordshire & Berkshire and Hft North Oxfordshire & Vale, and will support important projects like our Bytes Catering Course at our service in Milton Heights, Oxfordshire. This course provides individually designed training, in 'bite size' modules, to enable people with learning disabilities to receive recognised qualifications and work experience in catering and hospitality.

Tickets cost £23 online in advance including the event programme and festive refreshments (£25 on the door). We highly recommend buying tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.