The ancient market town of Montgomery is to hold its first Live Advent Calendar, showcasing the ingenuity and talent of many groups and individuals.
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Every evening in December, at 6.15pm, a door will open and those gathered outside will experience something related to Christmas for a few minutes in that doorway.
Most people will be familiar with chocolate Advent calendars, but the town’s Live Advent Calendar will be filled with story, song and the best that Montgomery’s creative minds can bring.
Organised jointly by the St Nicholas Church and Montgomery Presbyterian Church, groups, individuals and businesses have agreed to open their doors and show something of what Christmas means to them.
The Live Advent Calendar will be launched by the Mayor, Councillor Lionel Weaver, the Town Crier, Sue Blower and Assembly Member Russell George on December 1 at 7, Broad Street.
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The event will begin with people gathering outside the first door. Then, at 6.15pm, the opening ceremony will commence, involving ringing bells, knocking on the door with a shepherd’s crook and shouting for the Advent Calendar door to be opened and the entertainment to begin.
There will also be live music and refreshments on the night. However, like the remaining 23 doors, what exactly will happen is a closely guarded secret! This ceremony will be repeated each day until December 24.
Townspeople and visitors will be invited to follow a star around Montgomery until the calendar finishes at a crib service in St Nicholas Church on Christmas Eve.
Helen Hayes, from the Friends of Montgomery Church, said the idea came from an article in a magazine received by the town’s vicar.
“Montgomery is a town that really lends itself to a big community event and I am hoping that it will draw people together to celebrate Christmas,” she added. “Both the church and the chapel are interested in people knowing more about Christmas.
“The people I contacted were very interested and loved the idea. The take up from the town has been just amazing. It’s worth putting the effort in because people appreciate it and we all benefit.”
